Starting to get fuzz algae

[Drip Loop]

Well, I am hoping to nip this in the bud before it gets out of hand so hopefully someone can help. I have a relatively heavy planted 16 gallon tank that has recently began growing some kind of fuzz/hair algae. The stuff on the glass was no big deal, but now its covering the leaves on my plants and I am not sure why.

The tank is not fully cycled..well, it was but I changed out filters and it is recycling. There are 5-6 otos and roughly 10-15 ghost shrimp but they do not seem to be feeding on the stuff enough. The ghost shrimp will pick at it, but the otos do not seem interested. I was hoping someone is very familiar with what causes this particular algae because its not only unsightly, but im worried it will kill my plants.

I have read that fuzz algae is normal when a tank is cycling, but what does that mean I should do about it? Nothing? I am worried about doing too many water changes due to the tank cycling so any help is always appreciated. If anyone has specific questions regarding my tank just ask.

Included are some photos of most likely bad quality. Hopefully something can be concluded from them. Nevermind the cloudy water, I added some phosphate remover (experimentally) it will uncloud rather quickly


16gal bowfront
96 watt flourescent (Its too much but im stuck with it)
co2 injection (currently out of order while new one is ordered)

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One more of the entire tank

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[MandyL]

OK let's see... How are your ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels? Doing water changes during a fish cycle are very necessary and won't set back your cycle. You look pretty heavily stocked. I would say it's a matter of too much nutrients (too many fish) and too much light, and not enough co2. In the meantime while you are waiting for your co2 unit, you can add Flourish Excel for carbon. I would also hesitate to say that you are heavily planted as the plants you have are still small and obviously have not really started growing yet.

Ghost shrimp are not known for eating too much algae, and I don't think otos will touch fuzz algae. Your best bet may be cherry or amano shrimp. Or, just get your hands in there to wipe/pull it off, and limit the time your light is on. I wonder if you could even block some of the light somehow.

[Drip Loop]

I have excell. I have heard it has been successful in killing some kinds of algae too. I will give it a shot

[Drip Loop]

My readings are as follows (obviously not cycled)

KH - 1-2
PH - 6.6-6.8
Ammonia - .50 (ouch)
Nitrite - 0 (odd)
Nitrate - 5-10

I am using a fluval cannister filter as of a week ago. I had a HOB emperor but it wasnt suited for my plants.

Does this shed any extra light (pun intended)

[xoolooxunny]

the extra ammonium from the fish waste is likely the cause here. that phosphate remover was a no-no. Plants need it to thrive, especially if you want them to out-compete the algae. Things might start to improve when you use the excel, and after the tank finishes cycling. When your ammonia is at 0ppm, and you use the excel regularly, along with 50% water changes weekly, that stuff should clear right up. oh, and btw, try cutting back on the feeding. fish are pigs, they'll chase food when they arent even hungry. dont fall for the "puppy eyes"!!! until your cycle is done, i would recommend 2 25% water changes per week, once its done, like i said go with the 1 50% wc per week.

[Drip Loop]

bump for any further advice, im always listening.

[Drip Loop]

Thanks for all the help, I wont bump this any further. If anyone else has any suggestions, Im still listening however.