Algae Problem

[achase]

I have a minor algae problem in my tank (16 gallon), besides from shortening light exposure and physically removing the algae could I use an algaecide to assist? Most of the algae is on my plants and tough to remove. By the way, I do add Flourish Excel when I do a water change (weekly).

I know API has two different algaecides: Algaefix and Algae Destroyer Advanced

Do you think it would be ok to use any of these products? Would it be effective?

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

I have never used either, but have always been told by people way easer then me to stay away from anything like that. What kind of algae is it? Then we can better determine a proper course of action!

 

[achase]

I thinking that it's a combination of mostly Black Brush (Beard) Algae and Staghorn Algae.

 

[bassbonediva]

I have used "algae remover" products in the past and they have done nothing. My otos, nerite snail, BN pleco and albino rainbow shark are the only things that have "cured" algae for me, outside of tank blackouts for extended periods (72 hours+).

 

[prsturm]

You may also want to offer prayers and supplication to Apollo, and maybe a sacrifice or two.

 

[lstorns]

I agree with BBdiva get algae eaters .
I ve herd nothing good come out of chems to kill algae.
Iv also heard of reducing gas exchange ( less surface water movement ) to boost the co2 levels. but i think that just helps with green algae. Hold on I pulled somting of the net not to long ago . I ll try and dig it up and get back to ya ,

 

[achase]

I thought about getting algae eaters but I don't think I really have the room in my 16 gallon for more than one. Which is problem because don't most algae eaters, that would fit in my tank, like groups? I do have some trumpet snails but they don't seem to do much for the algae.

Any suggestions on algae eaters?

 

[aakaakaak]

Aren't loaches algae eaters? If they are you could get a few more worms so your single kuhli isn't lonely.

 

[bassbonediva]

No, loaches aren't algae eaters.

You could get a couple of nerite snails. They won't add barely anything to your bioload. You could also do a couple of otos. I know people say they prefer being in groups, but I have kept them singly, paired and in larger groups (4-5) and they've always been fine with whatever. They also don't add much to your bioload.

 

[achase]

I had more kuhli loaches but had some serious issues with keeping them alive. Which no one was able to figure out why. So I decided to leave the kuhli's alone and now all I have left is 1, although he has been doing very well.

Bass, you think I would be ok adding 2 otos?

 

[bassbonediva]

Yeah, I think so. Like I said, they don't add much to your bio-load.

Here's a website I was just linked to regarding the different types of algae, what causes them and how to take care of them. I found it very helpful (I have massive amounts of hair algae on my java fern in the 55gal).
James' Planted Tank - Algae Guide

 

[achase]

Awesome! I will check that out!

 

[riseabovethesun]

Yeah, I think so. Like I said, they don't add much to your bio-load.

Here's a website I was just linked to regarding the different types of algae, what causes them and how to take care of them. I found it very helpful (I have massive amounts of hair algae on my java fern in the 55gal).
James' Planted Tank - Algae Guide

Great link! Out of curiosity would you consider my tank a high tank? It's the 36 gallon bowfront. By the advice on the site he gives either way I think I am out of luck with my algae issue

And then back to the ridding algae, I think nerites are fantastic to have! Minus their darn eggs. Mine does a pretty good job, but he's a one man band in that tank. And if it is the black brush algae, I've mentioned before that SAEs and Amano shrimp are good for that, they're the "known" eaters of that algae, roughly.

 

[achase]

I thought SAE's were bad fish to have or is that CAE's?
I would keep shrimp but some reason they always die on me after a week or so (tried it in both of my tanks).

 

[lstorns]

snails , or two otos should do the trick all right.

 

[OrangeCones]

I would fix the underlying issue that causes the algae. There is an imbalance in food (fish waste, fish food, ferts being added, etc.), light, and CO2.

Just my 2cents.
OC

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

Right on OC!

 

[achase]

I like your two cents, OC!
I'm not going to lie I don't really know much about keeping planted tanks but I have always had good luck keeping them alive and flourishing.

I believe that the lights are the main issue and I will be getting a timer this weekend. I don't add anything besides Seachem Flourish Excel. I would like to think that I don't over feed my tank.

 

[aakaakaak]

I used to have zero algae when I was doing normal feedings and only used a single incandescent light in my 10-gal. I replaced the single incandescent with two 50/50 lights and KABOOM! I need some snails or something.

 

[OrangeCones]

I believe that the lights are the main issue and I will be getting a timer this weekend. I don't add anything besides Seachem Flourish Excel. I would like to think that I don't over feed my tank.

A timer will help, so you can adjust light periods as you see changes in the algae.

Although it is not marketed as such, Excel is an 'Excel'lent algaecide, since it will feed your plants but algae cannot use the carbon in it.

After doing water changes, while the filter is turned off, try using a syringe or eyedropper to put your Excel dose directly on a section of algae. It will bubble up as it dies, and most fish (even those that are not official 'algae eaters' will eat it then).

It is not necessarily an overfeeding problem, it could be an UNDERfeeding problem too.

Light, CO2 (or some other carbon source like Excel), and other 'food' must be in balance.

A bit too much light, a bit too little CO2, and NORMAL feeding would cause an imbalance.

It is like a 3-way tetter-totter HAHA!