Algae Problem in new tank

[Rocket]

Can anyone help me with my algae problem please. I have a small tank with 5 lemon tetra in it. They have been in the tank with three plants for over two and a half weeks now. The tank has been cycling for 6 weeks. I have noticed two days ago that some grey cotton wooly looking "stuff" has grown around the suction cups of my heater. I cleaned them off and a few days later see it growing right back. Not only that but I have noticed this grey fungal stuff growing on my plants. The fish seem to be fine, readings have been OK, PH gone up to 7.5, do I need to be unduly worried and how can I sort this.

[Nick_Pavlovski]

At the moment, I wouldn't be too worried.

If your tank gets any sunlight shining directly on it, even for half an hour, move it. No sunlight should get on your tank - that's one way to control algae.

Yes, manual removal of algae applies to nearly everyone. I do it in my tanks when it's unsightly.

Do you give the plants any fertilizers or nutrients, that you add yourself? If yes, cut back on that. Others here will also have advice, so I'll let them take over.

[Chaindriven]

Nick is correct. Verify that at no time during the day, your aquarium is exposed to sunlight. Also, regulate the amount of time the aquarium lights are turned on. Eight to ten hours of light a day. Remember that fish need to sleep. The lights should be turned on and off the same time every day. This routine will make for a healthy tank and less algae growth. Good luck.

[squirt_12]

Well my tank gets atlest 2 hours of almost direct sunlight and well my light is on for atleast 12 hours in a day and i have no algae on my tank that i can see. But the same thing happens to my friend and she has algae problems like none other. She calls me and gets me to help her scrub it off. Every week we are scrubbing it off. But her algae is a dark green and it hard and stuck to the glass.

[Rocket]

Thanks guys for your replies. Today I went out and got myself some black backing so the two sides of the tank near indirect sunlight won't let any into the tank. I have bought three more plants so they can outcompete the algae and I bought two little "oto's" and a pepper cory. Hopefully this should go some way to coping with the algae problem.

[gm72]

Please know that corys do not like to be alone. They will not be happy unless they have a small school of at least 3, preferably 5. What size tank is this?

[Ark6ie]

i had one cory for about a week by itself and i thought it looked ok, but then i put 3 more in with it and the difference is amazing.... it is sooo much more active and it looks "happier". so id agree that they should be kept in a school.

[gm72]

Good comments, arkie. You truly don't know how happy a fish can be until you are able to place it in ideal (or as close as possible) conditions.

[Rocket]

I have read your replies and did wonder whether Mr Pepper would be alright on his own. (I received no advice on his being solo at the shop). However, he is extremely active at the moment, so I'm hoping he is being distracted. My tank is only 28 Litre and I am nervous about over-stocking. I will be buying a larger tank soon. Am very grateful for your advice.

[jeffs99dime]

i'm moving this thread to the proper forum. Rocket, please post your threads in the proper forums. thank you. --staff