algae problem

[Atlantic Fish]

I have had freshwater fish for years now, but I have a major problem with algae.  I have a 35g tank, a penguin 125 filter and two 24" 20watt fluorescent tubes. I have just taken the whole set up apart to do a extensive cleaning and I am going to get an oscar.  Can anyone see why I maybe having such a bad algae problem?? It is not in direct sun light and the algae is green, to the point where a water clairifier will only work for 3-4 days then the water totally turns green again... Any suggestions..Thanks ???

 

[Padme]

Need more info-what are the nitrate and phosphate levels, pH, temp.,... Your tank is not balanced, that's why you have algae problems. In order to find out what caused the unbalance, more info is needed.
Also 35G is not enough for an oscar.

 

[fishboy]

I would suggest to use some of the chemical algae killers,IF YOU HAVE LIVE PLANTS DO NOT USE THESE bc if it kills algae it is most likely to kill the live  plants also or if you have plants take them out for a while and put them in new tank. Even if you do remove the plants and are going to get a oscar i would  not put plants in there because the oscar will most likel dig them up anyway. YES! a 35 gal. tank is not big enough for a full sized, adult oscar...... unless that is just a tank for a small one. Eventually though you will need to get a larger tank 75 is minimum for a pair and i would say a 50gal is the minimum for an adult.

                      HTH,
                       Daniel  *thumbsupsmiley* 8) *celebratesmiley*  *crazysmiley* *twirlysmiley*

 

[Matt Nace]

First off...In my opinion , never use a chemical to fix an algae problem. You might want to see why you have an algae problem, and fix the problem. Chemicals usually cover the problem up when preventing it(from happening again) is the better method.

Fishboy--have you ever used the chemical you are suggesting? ???.

Green water or an algae bloom is from too many Nutrients.
By Nutrients I mean too much of Nitrates, Phosphates, or in planted tanks, which is common ,fertilizers

My guess would be Nitrates. Overfeeding and a gravel which is not well vaccumed is usually the case. Seams like you have not too bad of lighting to help it all out. If it wasn't for the bio-wheel on the penquin, you would probebly have an ammonia problem right now if the gravel being dirty is the case.
(if gravel is nice and dirt free, what are the nitrates from the tap..any?)

For planted tanks 10 to 12 hours is good for the light being on. For non planted tanks I would think this would be a tad much...or at least contribute to the bloom.

Since you already stripped the tank wash the gravel well. That is the souce(and the nitrates that were in the water)

Remember to feed sparingly..and just enough so everyone gets some. I feed just like that and every 2 to 4 days. My fish IMO are stunning with those eatting habits.

Keep your light on only like 8 hours or so.

Now what to do with green water with fish still in it..that is for another post. Right now prevent it.  

 

[JWright]

Agree 100% w/ MRB.

And, as the others have said, 35 is way to small for an Oscar.

Josh

 

[fishboy]

[quote author=MaleRubyBarb link=board=freshwatergeneral&num=1010248997&start=0#3 date=01/05/02 at 13:23:16]
First off...In my opinion , never use a chemical to fix an algae problem. You might want to see why you have an algae problem, and fix the problem. Chemicals usually cover the problem up when preventing it(from happening again) is the better method.

Fishboy--have you ever used the chemical you are suggesting? ???.

Green water or an algae bloom is from too many Nutrients.
By Nutrients I mean too much of Nitrates, Phosphates, or in planted tanks, which is common ,fertilizers

My guess would be Nitrates. Overfeeding and a gravel which is not well vaccumed is usually the case. Seams like you have not too bad of lighting to help it all out. If it wasn't for the bio-wheel on the penquin, you would probebly have an ammonia problem right now if the gravel being dirty is the case.
(if gravel is nice and dirt free, what are the nitrates from the tap..any?)

For planted tanks 10 to 12 hours is good for the light being on. For non planted tanks I would think this would be a tad much...or at least contribute to the bloom.

Since you already stripped the tank wash the gravel well. That is the souce(and the nitrates that were in the water)

Remember to feed sparingly..and just enough so everyone gets some. I feed just like that and every 2 to 4 days. My fish IMO are stunning with those eatting habits.

Keep your light on only like 8 hours or so.

Now what to do with green water with fish still in it..that is for another post. Right now prevent it.  


[/quote]


Actually, no i have never resorted to this measure. I usually just Tore down the entire tank or done lots of water changes.  Some people do say it works for them though. Since he had already said that he had torn the tank down, i didn't think that i would work as it does for me.
     Sorry if i gave out any bad info but, that is just my opinion. Isn't that what the board is for ??? People's opinions??? or what they think seems to work???

  Anyway sorry

 

[Matt Nace]

Fishboy---

I didn't think my comment on yours was mean or saying you don't have the right to your own opinion.

I was giving my opinion about chemicals.

My next statement simply asked if you ever used the chemicals yourself that you suggested.

Nothing to attack or say a thing about your opinion, just a heads up about how I feel about it. I also wanted to know if you ever used the chemical yourself. You could say you think I have no clue...and that is your opinion but you can bet i would reply asking why you felt that way.

I dont like using chemicals to solve problems. I like to get rid of the problem.For years I was a "blind fishkeeper" and "do what the LFS tells you fishkeeper" I tried PH up, down ,buffers, zorb this..zorb that...snail acides ,algae tablets, anti ammonia, start right this and that , stress zyme this and that...I could go on and on....

Some people still swear by these methods..which is fine by me. I just felt I had to say my piece and save someone from being the "blind fishkeeper" I am glad I am not today.

Take it from me..I used carbon for 8 or 9 years untill I discovered Aquaria centria a few years ago. I tried my tank with out it..it was like I never had used it .I still keep some handy if I need to medicate, but other than that..it saved me money.

Hope that cleared things up.

 

[Matt Nace]

[quote author=MaleRubyBarb link=board=freshwatergeneral&num=1010248997&start=0#3 date=01/05/02 at 13:23:16]
First off...In my opinion , never use a chemical to fix an algae problem.
[/quote]

btw...on some subjects..I start off with IMO so you know it is what I feel..not what is the only way to go about something.

 

[Atlantic Fish]

Thank you all for your advice.  My tank had no live plants in it at the time, and the substrate in bottom was large pebbles. I kept my lights on for 10 hrs.... I did vacum the tank on a regular basis, but when I striped the tank last night the very bottom of the tank near the glass was really dirty....So all combined the dirty substrate and lights on too long, I would say was causing the problem.. The oscars I was going to buy are only about 2" in length each,,,just babies.. But I do realize that they are going to need more room then the 35g.  Thanks again.... Really good group!!! Thanks *thumbsupsmiley*\
When I get the tank set back up tomorrow I am going to use a fine sand for the bottom, so I can use live plants, and I will be sure to check the nitrates just to be sure....