what causes algae on tank glass?

Question

the tank has been running for ages no problems, but now I have algae on the glass, tank is not in direct sunlight,light is on for around 8 hrs a day

Answer 1

Algae require 3 things to live food, oxygen, light, limit any of the three and you will reduce it, limit all 3 and its almost gone. chances are you've changed something, added and airstone, painted your walls with silk white paint etc theres plenty of ways. It could be that its taken a time for it too get a grip on the glass something you didnt notice.

Depends on what your keeping in there and the size of the tank, I've found that having an hours gap in the middle of the light session has more or less solved my problem for me.
Just think back what you've done thats changed, and you'll almost certainly have your answer.

Last resort is a prepriatory treatment, cut back on the light, air and food. do them seperately and see which has the greater effect.

also theres some product on the market that allows you to go months without water changes and filter cleaning i hear tell that is supposed to reduce algae aswell, but ill not swear to that as ive never tried it.

AJ

P.S. And i'm glad they servived although i was looking forward to visiting upton park when stoke played em well who know's maybe next year.

Answer 2

Nitrates, Phosphates, and other nutrients in the water cause algae, along with light. Algae is a very basic and primitive form of plant, and is a perfectly normal part of aquariums, and as long as the tank is stocked and maintained properly should be easy to control through regular scraping. Limiting the light to 6-8 hours per day will help too. (a cheap timer can adjust the lights so it comes on at convenient times, when you are sure to be home)

Algae eaters can help, but it's good to keep in mind that they don't always eat it off the glass, are not miracle workers, and eat a lot (and still need to be fed other foods) and so contribute a lot of waste to the tank, which can actually cause more algae.

Answer 3

Algae is generally a good sign. When you have algae growing in your tank, your tank is capable of supporting life on it's own, and that life is finding its way into your tank. However, many people do not like to have a coating of algae on everything, as it detracts from the appearance of the tank and makes it difficult to see and enjoy the fish. So,experience with algacides show that they kill live plants, are hard on the biological filter and are dangerous to many kinds of fish. In correspondence with the manufacturers, I have not gotten any better answers to these questions than, "It has been in testing for years and we have never had a single problem or complaint." However, every one we have tried has had disastrous side effects and has done little if anything about algae growth. Do reguler water changes(25% weekly) use srubber(for tank) to clean inside of the glass!

Answer 4

No algae in my tank and haven't changed the water in 3 months. But used to be very bad. I drained the water completely, and thoroughly cleaned the tank/fliters the last time. I don't think It had any algae growing bacteria left. But there again i've have bought an algae eater. And its gleaming.
It may be a good idea to wash new plants which u get at the pet shop. good luck!

Answer 5

Is it a marine tank? Its normal for a marine tank to have an algae bloom, its a sign of good water quality. A couple of turbo snails will stick to the glass and keep it nice and clean by eating the algae. It'll also keep your sand and live rock clean.

www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSheets/turbo_snail.htm

I've also got 3 dancer shrimp, and 3 hermit crabs in my 24g nano cube. The do a pretty good job, but i'm considering getting a couple more turb snails. They work wonders but they do it VERY SLOWLY!

Good luck,
Michelle

Answer 6

Too much light causes green algae, too little causes brown algae, you have to work out a compromise to stop it. You can buy an algae destroyer to add to the water.

Answer 7

Sounds like it could be Green Algae which usually appears as small dots on the glass . Usually caused by poor/inappropriate lighting

Answer 8

Buy an algae-eating fish. They're docile and are a good addition to any tank.

Answer 9

i think its a kind of fungus,i had it on mine a few weeks ago and my tank isnt in the sunlight either,my daughter lent me some algae remover that she bought at the pet shop,works a treat,you must follow the directions carefully or you can kill the fish,mine are fine.

Answer 10

To much light or to much left over food i the tank