why cant i get algae

[cocoa_pleco]

I can never get algae. My 33g was with a fluorescent light by a huge window for 2 years with a few plecos- not one bit of algae. I have no algae in my other tanks in the basement either with no plecos- no algae. for some reason, i never get algae. how do i encourage the growth. Also, has anyone had experiences with u.v sterilisers for fish? do they kill good bacteria too? Are they worth 40 bucks?:4:

[AuroraAustralis]

Maybe your plecos are doing too good a job ;o) Why do you want algae? most people want to get rid of it lol
Is it for your plecos? If so a bit of lettuce or zuchinni would probably be gratefully accepted by them and is alot easier to remove from your tank than algae. A bit of driftwood in their diet is also really beneficial. If your determined to grow algae I would start with testing your water for phospates & nitrates as the higher the levels of those things the more likely you will have algae blooms. Obviously high levels of nitrates are to be avoided and excessive phosphate probably won't be good either but a little more phosphate in your tank than your live plants are consuming, along with extended daily light exposure should do it :thumb:
You could put a few large pebbles in clear container (a cut-off large softdrink bottle will do) add a bit of clear top water from your partial water change and sit it on the window sill that gets the most direct sunlight. A small amount of aquarium fertilizer added to the pebble water will probably speed things up. The pebbles should be growing algae in no time. You could have a continual supply of freshly harvested algae snacks for your fish without it growing in places it isn't wanted, being completely consumed by hungry fish or competing with your plants. Not sure why you want it but it might be worth a try lol
A UV sterilizer won't hurt your beneficial bacteria as it is mostly in your filter media & your gravel anyway, neither of which go through the sterilizer. I haven't used one but they seem like a good idea (not sure I would run it constantly though). Good for treating bad bacteria & protezeas (sp??) such as Ich. If you want to grow algae however, you definately do not want to use one as they also kill algae spores :o)

[Lady Hobbs]

I don't get algae either and I'm happy! I have no pleco's either but have loaches, a couple catfish and coreys all in different tanks. I toss them algae pellets.

[Scuba Guy]

Be careful what you wish for !! You'll get algae soon enough. And then you will want to get rid of it.

Buy an inexpensive underwater plant - They always contain algal cells. The plant may not last (light and CO2 usually needed), but the algal cells are near indestructible. That will get you going.....and then you'll be sorry.

[Severus]

I have had tiny little specs of algae for the past few months and i have noticed them disappearing slowly now that my Pleco is in the tank. He seems to do a pretty good job! I would conisider myself lucky if i didnt have any algae at all!