Algea Problem!?

Question

For the past 4 months or so, my 15 gallon tank has been growing so much algea. The water turns completely green if I don't completely empty it once a week. I really don't want to have to do that. Any ideas on what I should do? ...I already have a plecostomus. He does good at cleaning the glass and stuff, but he can't do the water.

Answer 1

The comments are good about reducing the light. If you're worried that a blackout will hurt the fish, it won't. Fish don't need light. Light is something that humans need. If your tank is by a window and you can't move it, try putting black or a dark backing on the back and sides of the tank. Don't turn on any artificial lights at all, and if you must, only for an hour or two at night when you want to look at them. Do not leave artificial lights on for longer than 4 hours daily. Try to stay away from chemicals. Also, a comment about doing a "complete" cleaning. By doing "complete" cleanings, you're robbing your tank from ever achieving a level of "stability." You're never allowing it to settle into a symbiotic routine. Algae is a primitive life form. In a completely unstable environment, primitive life forms are the first to develop. Once the environment begins to stabilize, other more complex life forms will fully or partially replace the primitive life forms. By doing complete water changes, you're forcing your tank to start all over again every time and encouraging the primitive life forms to grow first. Never change all of the water in your tank. At most, only do 50% water changes once a week, and preferably only 20-25%. Only rinse your filter in the water that you remove from your tank during cleanings. Putting in a new filter with every water change also never allows the beneficial life forms to establish. Only replace filters about every 2-4 months depending on your load. Add more complex life forms to your tank (plants) and also, when cleaning, leave one item in your tank covered with algae. A rock, a decoration, something. I know it sounds odd, but leaving some algae actually decreases its growth, not increases. This allows your water to continue from the point it was at and not have to start all over again by growing the primitive life forms first. Good luck!

Answer 2

Where is your tank located? Near a window? Sunlight causes rapid algae growth. Is there a light on the tank? If the light is on around the clock it also spurs algae growth. Try moving the tank to a darker location and keep the light off during the day or night. The pet store also carries good products to reduce algae in the water. Just be careful some things are toxic to the pleco. If you use it don't be worried if the water gets cloudy it'll take a few days to clear up. Ask the sales person just to be careful. Your water filter might not be doing such a good job if it's old, clogged with water/mineral deposits or parts are faulty. Check that also. Good luck. :)

Answer 3

I would recommend a "black out"
get an old towel or blanket and completely wrap your tank so that no sunlight is getting through. For 3 days do nothing to your tank, no food, no light. day four i usually do a 40 % water change and feed fish. If the tank still looks green or hazy continue the light deprivation in three day cycles with water changes until the problem is under control.
I recommend that you purchase a reliable timer and set your tank so that it only gets 7 hours of light a day.
I also recommend that you do a "deep cleaning" of your filtration you will be amazed at all the detritus you find clogging up your system.
good luck!

Answer 4

I don't know how big your tank is, but Plecostomus reach 2 feet in length. The Plecostomus is probably a contributor to the algae. Plecos poop constantly. Algae eats the nutrients released from the poop. So by having a Pleco constantly pooping, it is constantly making algae. Try leaving your tank in total darkness for 4 days and feeding your fish half as much as you normally would. Good luck! If you have any questions, email me at [e-mail].

Nosoop4u

Answer 5

There are 3 main reasons for that to happen
1. your tank is near a window, so it gets dirct sunlight
2. you're overfeeding your fish, you're suppose to feed them only what they eat in 3-5 min
3. you leave your light on to long, only 10-12 hours on during the day and 12-14 hours off during the night

I also hope that you don't have a common pleco because you're going to stunt him in your tank




Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 6

meg your tank is getting to much light cut way back on the amount of light it receives

Answer 7

they have anti algea tablets at walmart they work wonders. also you might want to up grade your filter

Answer 8

go to a pet store. trust me.