Algae question?

Question

I've noticed that lately my tank has a BAD algae growth problem. I have the light on half the day. Its dark brown and grows on everything. It comes right back after I clean the tank. I always wipe it off of all of the ormanents and the tank wall and the gravel, but it comes right back. What should I do? Are them medicine type things you put in the water for algae good? Do they kill live plants or fish?

Its a filtered 5 gallon with a betta.

I don't want to add an algae eater, the tank is much too small for that. : (

I normally change the water 50% each week, but now I guess I'll do 75%.

Answer 1

You can add a small Chinese algae eater to the tank. They don't get more than about 2 inches long. Try covering the tank for about 24 hours. Do not turn on the light at all. Just do a partial water change and vacuum out the gravel.Then add the algae eater. Take a dark towel and cover the tank.You are best not to use any chemicals in the tank. You can use a small amount of aquarium salt and that's it. The salt won't stop the algae but will help the fish. Remember any light from the fixture or the surrounding source ( is it near a window) and warm temps will cause excessive algae growth

Answer 2

Increase the size of your water changes for a few weeks. Try changing 50% of the water each week and be sure to clean the filter and the gravel when you do. That should remove the nutrients from the water that the algae is feeding on.

MM

Answer 3

Hi!
The best way to get rid of the algae is to cover your tank completely with black garbage bags. Seal it up so absolutely no light gets in and keep it sealed for 4 days. During that time, don't feed your fish. They will eat the algae and it won't hurt them.

Algae needs light in order to grow, and this is the safest non-chemical way to do it. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, try Jungle's No More Algae with Algae Remover and the aquarium cleaning pad.

Here's a good online place I recommend for all fish lovers: join www.timstropicals.com. It's free!

Answer 4

One thing that could help is reduce lighting to 6 hours or less a day. Algae love light.

How often do you change the water? If you don't change the water much, the algae thrive off of eating the waste in the water.

My suggestion, instead of chemicals, less light, more water changes (using a dechlorinator, of course). In time it should not be so much a problem.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Red algae is not bad. It thrives on sunlight. If your tank is near a window, move it. I have the same problem with one of my tanks. You could get a couple snails, the tank isn't too small for that, or you can get an algae-gone type of solution. We were thinking of getting that for our tank, but got a sea urchin instead and going to get a few more (saltwater).

Answer 6

I had the same algae problem in my tank. I got some Otocinclus sp. they only grow to about 4/5cm and they have cleaned my tank of most of the algae.

Answer 7

Tropical freshwater or cold water? Filter changes; algae-eater fish; acid levels all help.... pH levels should be neutral to slightly acidic for tropical - 6.8, for example.... which algae aren't crazy about....

Answer 8

Brown (or red) is bad. Check your nitrite levels.

Answer 9

It wont hurt your betta unless your betta eats it (which i doubt). No worries. But your betta needs to be in a fish bowl. It is healtier for him. or her

AJ

Answer 10

They should have something for it at the pet store.