Green spot algae

[Jeddi]

When I first started my tank, I was plagued with diatoms for a few weeks... I thought THAT was hard to get off of the glass, but now I have green spot algae... I was able to get some of it off with a plastic scraper-- but now I have scratches on my glass! :evil: I stopped right when I noticed it. They aren't that deep but they're still scratches! Guess I just have to deal with it. So I'm looking to get rid of the algae without risking scratches. Something I could put in my filter that wouldn't affect my plants or fish negatively? I have a bristlenose pleco but he doesn't seem to eat anything except for his beloved algae wafers. I've heard nerites can keep it under control but I'd rather figure out something else... Thanks!

[Brhino]

I don't think very much eats green spot algae, since it's so tough. I use one of those dishwashing sponges that is normal sponge on one side, and rough scrubbing material on the other side. Obviously, a brand new one out of the package that gets used for nothing but tank maintenance. Regular sponge for diatoms, rough scrubby side for green spot algae. It takes a bit of pressure, but it works.

I don't understand how you scratched glass with a plastic scraper. You have a glass tank, not acrylic?

[Jeddi]

I don't think very much eats green spot algae, since it's so tough. I use one of those dishwashing sponges that is normal sponge on one side, and rough scrubbing material on the other side. Obviously, a brand new one out of the package that gets used for nothing but tank maintenance. Regular sponge for diatoms, rough scrubby side for green spot algae. It takes a bit of pressure, but it works.

I don't understand how you scratched glass with a plastic scraper. You have a glass tank, not acrylic?
Yup. I don't understand it, either :22:

[little hawaii]

Stop feeding your fish for a few days and that bristlenose will clean the algae up. It sounds to me like you spoil your fish by over feeding them. It is a good idea to not feed at all 1 day a week. This gives them a day to scavenge and clean up left overs and wear off a little belly fat.

[Jeddi]

Stop feeding your fish for a few days and that bristlenose will clean the algae up. It sounds to me like you spoil your fish by over feeding them. It is a good idea to not feed at all 1 day a week. This gives them a day to scavenge and clean up left overs and wear off a little belly fat.I only feed them 2-3 times a day and they eat every bit of it, and I don't feed them at all on mondays...

[Brhino]

fish won't take care of green spot algae. Shrimp and snails may nibble on it, but probably not enough to keep it clear. Not much you can do other than scrape away.

[Jeddi]

I was thinking about a phosphate remover, but wouldn't that harm my plants?

[rich311k]

Green spot usually comes from a lack of phosphate. I just scrape mine off the glass. I am not sure how you scratched your glass, I use a plastic algae scraper made for glass tanks that I bought at the store.

[Jeddi]

Green spot usually comes from a lack of phosphate. I just scrape mine off the glass. I am not sure how you scratched your glass, I use a plastic algae scraper made for glass tanks that I bought at the store.
Well then I guess a phosphate remover wouldn't work. :hmm3grin2orange: