second wave of algae

**lef22** · 07-09-2009, 12:21 PM

i've experienced a minor algae problem before for a few days which was easily solved by turning the lights off for a few days.
Recently though i added some "plant food" in my aquarium and since then aproximately i've had algae problems. i think i've got white hair algae( shot fuzz on the lives and galss) hair brush algae(blac-gray hair like algae on the leave of the valisneria) and some other brown-greenish algae that appears as spots on the glass and the vallisneria leaves and on the gravel which is turning yellow. any pointers?

**Northernguy** · 07-09-2009, 01:26 PM

I suggest you learn a bit about algae so getting rid of it may be easier.
Here is a link for you.http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=24570

**Zilla** · 07-09-2009, 02:24 PM

Here's a list of basic rules I live by with my tank. I have yet to have a algae problem.... http://forums.tfhmagazine.com/articles_algae_farmer.php

**lef22** · 07-09-2009, 02:37 PM

honestly i don't know what is wrong.amonia of cource is as low as can get in a cycling aquarium and both nitrites and nitrates are 100% good.
as i already mentioned maybe the fertilizer or whatever its called caused the algae bloom or perhaps the small number of fish isn't generating enough CO2

**Z Fish Man** · 07-09-2009, 03:11 PM

How many and what kind of plants do you have? Also what is your tank size and lighting? If you don't have enough plants or all slower growing plants perhaps they aren't out competing the algae well enough or leaving excess nutrients in the water. Also you may have an incorrect kelvin rating on your lights.

I got rid of most algae on my plants by adding fertilizer for them because they were lacking nutrients and unable to fend off the algae. Since you are adding fertilizer it sounds like you either have an insufficient light source or CO2 source. you could try adding flouish excel along with the ferts.

**lef22** · 07-09-2009, 03:34 PM

200 lt tank, 2 39 watt lamps 849mm each(says red lightning)
9 plants all in all, 3 valisneria 3 anubias (of wich 2 are dwarf) 2 bacopa australis and another strange one i can't recall..may put more in the future
the thing i just added fertilizer a week ago.

**Crispy** · 07-09-2009, 03:38 PM

good link on algae Zilla!

**Wild Turkey** · 07-09-2009, 04:55 PM

Just a quick overview, I strongly recommend dave66's algae primer

The bba is the only real problem you are having believe it or not.

The White stuff, is "new tank fungus" or similar, its harmless and will go away on its own.

The brownish is diatoms, same deal, harmless will go away on its own 99 % of the time.

For the bba the answer for me has always been start running co2, (if its already running, keep the concentration high, and stable during the day. In combination with spot treating the existing bba with hydrogen peroxide via a syringe. I wait until it has died from the h2o2 to remove it, otherwise you will be spreading spores throughout the tank.

I strongly suggest getting a hold on the bba before its too late, that stuff is the only real threat in your tank imo.

**lef22** · 07-10-2009, 03:10 PM

thanks for all the help... i'll see what i can do...i'll try the co2 as soon as possible

**lef22** · 07-11-2009, 07:44 PM

i decided to go the old fashioned way using some algae control liquid.quick q.
it says it may take 1-6 weeks to take effect, does it depend on the severity of the problem.Also while treating for bba can i: 1. do water changes 2. put bacterial solution in tank 3. put amonia neutrolizer in tank?