I have a 35 gal freshwater tank and recently dropped a couple of red lily plant bulbs in. One has bloomed beautifuly and the other has started. A couple of days ago I noticed a green algae growing on the tank glass and even on some stones. It's not like the normal "fine" algae I've had that comes off easily with my magnet cleaner. It's larger and "thicker". Could the plants be the cause or something else? I do have a plecostomus. Also, is it ok for the fish if I leave the light on all the time?
2007-06-03 13:49:56 · 3 answers · asked by teelob 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
the algae is growing because you leave the light on all the time. 8 hours a day should be sufficient. 12 hours maximum. it sounds more like it might be some kind of moss growing and not algae. it wouldn't have anything to do with your bulbs unless there was a piece in the package with them.
2007-06-03 13:54:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The plants didn't directly cause the algae growth but some fertilizer could have come in with the plants that would contribute. Also spores of a new species of algae could have come in with the plant and that would be why you are seeing a new algae growing in the tank. I think the majority of the answer may rest in your last questions though. Excess light will cause algae to grow in the tank as well as stress your fish. You should go for 10-12 hours of light per day. That will provide a good balance for your fish and plants and you should see the algae start to die off soon.
MM
2007-06-03 20:56:43 · answer #2 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not leave the light on all the time, the fish need to rest too and it is a waste of electricity. That also encourages algae to grow! The lilies have nothing to do with the algae growing on the tank and the plec should be able to take care of the algae unless its "spot" algae in which case you need to scrub it off yourself-even a really tough plec would find it hard to get rid of it.
2007-06-03 22:06:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋