Author Topic: Algae outbrake...  (Read 1261 times)

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Offline djm328bmw

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Algae outbrake...
« on: December 17, 2009, 07:04:59 AM »
didn't know were to post this.  I've  got an algae bloom in my tank, tank has been set up for about 4 weeks and it was seeded from my previous tank that decided to leak on me.  I think (hope) the bloom in temporary from it stabilizing but i don't know. anyone know of a good fish I can add or something I can do besides a pleco or chemicals.  Thanks!

Offline Yipee

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Re: Algae outbrake...
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2009, 07:13:25 AM »
What algae are you talking about? Greenwater and beard algae are the most common type encountered in newly set up aquariums.
50g angelfish & tetra
20g Amazon biotope(cory)

Offline djm328bmw

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Re: Algae outbrake...
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2009, 03:07:47 PM »
i'm not really sure, it's not the water itself, but on the glass, plants, rock bottom and hideaway castle i have in there, its starting off brown then turning green

Offline Essabee

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Re: Algae outbrake...
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2009, 04:52:21 PM »
Please give us the details of your tank, to enable us to help you.
Size-
Lights, including light hours-
Fishes and their numbers-
Live Plants if any-
When set up-
Water change routine-
Substrate used-
Food and feeding routine-
If I had to live my life again, what would I avoid? 

Offline djm328bmw

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Re: Algae outbrake...
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2009, 05:43:59 PM »
Size- 40
Lights, including light hours- florescent about 8 hours a day
Fishes and their numbers- 2 angels, 2 rams, 3 dwarf honey gouramis, 2 danios and a small black with white spots catfish
Live Plants if any- yes, I have a few smaller ones not sure what types
When set up- 4 weeks ago, previous tank that was set up for 1 1/2 years started leaking, let previous filter continue to run on new tank with new filter i have the 2 still running i think suited for 80 gallons is right for a 40 gallon, right?
Water change routine- since the change about 25% every 2-4 days
Substrate used- regular white petco aquarium rocks
Food and feeding routine- 2 times daily, feeding a little at a time so as much as possible gets eaten and doesn't sit

Offline Cholly

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Re: Algae outbrake...
« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2009, 06:16:02 PM »
Wattage on florescent bulb(s)?
Filter sounds good(no such thing as overfiltering IMO, as long as the flow doesn't bother the fish)
Are you using the old filter media?
Feeding sounds okay, water change routine much better than most. Could hypothetically be part of the problem though, if your water has phosphates like mine does. Do you have a local fish club or a really good LFS? They might know if the local water supply is carrying "extras". IF not, you should be able to find out from the county water authority. Usually not as easy, though. :hihi:
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Offline djm328bmw

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Re: Algae outbrake...
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2009, 07:03:21 PM »
i was thinking that the frequent water change was the problem, I let it go for 6 days I think and 4-6 is when it really started spreading I did my water change today and i'll continue like I was and see, never had this in my other tank for 1 1/2 years.  The only thing that i know is good is a pleco but I don't want one, I'm gonna pick up a couple more plants tomorrow, the plants that I do have are looking great.  I have a 17watt light and it's 24 inch not even the full length of the tank, got a starter setup and it didn't come with the best of tops. The temp is 82

Offline Essabee

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Re: Algae outbrake...
« Reply #7 on: December 17, 2009, 07:08:07 PM »
Reduce your light hours to 4. Keep your water changes to once a week. If you can have the tank water and tap water tested for ammonia, NitrIte, NitrAte, and phosphate, do.
If I had to live my life again, what would I avoid? 

Offline djm328bmw

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Re: Algae outbrake...
« Reply #8 on: December 17, 2009, 08:00:15 PM »
I have the master test kit somewhere...but it's kinda old, i bought it like 3 years ago maybe 4, first i stopped keep fish and then i set my 20 gal up 1 1/2yr ago never had a problem, tank was always crystal clear so i never used it.  with that tank i always just did a water change whenever the tank started looking a little cloudy usually a month to 2 months apart (hopes i don't get bashed for that) rinsed the filter media and added a dab of api stresscoat and everything was always fine, I started that tank with my platinum angel that I posted in the cichlid pics. anyways I'll find it and see, if not i'll bring some water to the pet store.  All fish are looking and acting perfectly fine

Offline RinsMom

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Re: Algae outbrake...
« Reply #9 on: December 17, 2009, 08:06:08 PM »
There is a way to tell if your test products are past their shelf life...

I found this info on a forum...

"check the lot #s on each bottle..its suppose to have a shelf life of 3 years from those dates..the last 4 digits are the year and month they were made"

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/aquarium-water/59503-how-find-out-if-api-test-kit-expired.html




 


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