problem or potential problem with green algae?

[fishmommie]

Hi
My 90 gal (not planted) has been running for 2 months - a little over 1 month with fish. My lighting is a Marineland double bright LED 1800 lumens.
Have dealt with some diatoms but those are finally under control. (added 4 otto cats a week ago and either they have made endrows or the new tank syndrom is finally passing)

Also, however, I have had a very slow growth of very fine green algae on the top branches (closest to the light source of course) of a large leggy driftwood piece. Now, however, I've noticed there is also a little green algae growth on some of the rocks.

I actually LIKE the looks of it on the branches and the fish occasionally nibble on it. But now that it's starting on the rocks, I'm getting a bit concerned that it might take over.

My question is, am I going to be sorry that I didn't check the growth on these upper limbs?
And if so, what's the best way of nipping it before it gets out of hand - other than leaving the light off?
I leave the light on 10 - 12 hours a day and do not wish to alter that. The tank is in my home office where I spend most of my time and if I can't have the light on when I'm in there working, then there's not much point in having the aquarium.

Thanks.

[ijankrom]

Wow long period to have those lights on and you don't even have live plants. IMO see if getting some live plants and placing them near the algae growth that you don't won't, just maybe the plants will ingest the minerals and food source necessary for growth before the algae. ?? OR - I understand there's different light spectrum (if I'm stating that correctly), see if you can replace what you have now with something more subtle (maybe something just enough for the health of your fish but no plant growth). Your local pet store can assist you on different lights for your tank and purposes.

[fishmommie]

long period to have those lights on ...see if getting some live plants and placing them near the algae growth that you don't won't, t maybe the plants will ingest the minerals and food source necessary for growth before the algae. ...see if you can replace what you have now with something more subtle

thanks for replying. I leave the lights on 10 - 12 hours in my other tanks and have no algae issues at all. This is the only tank I have with led lights, however. Replacing the light is not an option. They were pricey and I love the look so that's not going to change.

And no live plants in the near future. need a low maintenance tank - again, this is my home office where I work and I need to keep it as simple as possible.

any other solutions, anyone?
Would mystery snails clean up this algae? More ottos? are there chemicals that would not harm my fish I could use to slow the growth?
thanks

[ijankrom]

What are your nitrate levels? It's been explained to me if you can keep these below 10 - preferably <5, you have a better chance of controlling algae. At >10ppm algae has the chance to start growing - along with adequate light.

[fishmommie]

I just found this when I did a google search for controlling algae in aquariums:
Green algae also known as Hair, Thread, or Spot algae – This is a normal healthy type of algae that every tank will most likely experience in some degree. As long as the tank is well cared for, it will not overgrow.

If this is true, then maybe I won't have a huge problem. I do weekly 40 - 50% W/C, vac and make all attempts to not over feed.

Still, if anyone has any suggestions that don't involve changing the lighting, less lighting and adding plants, I'd love to hear them.
thanks again

[fishmommie]

What are your nitrate levels? It's been explained to me if you can keep these below 10 - preferably <5, you have a better chance of controlling algae. At >10ppm algae has the chance to start growing - along with adequate light.

hi again - nitrates are consistently less than 5. I have a cascade 1200 canister filter, a UGF with twin powerheads and an aquean HOB 55/75 for filtration. also an air bubbler for O2.
appreciate that you are attempting to find solutions for me.

[ijankrom]

It appears you already found your answer. You take care of your tank and the green healthy type of algae won't overgrow on you. How long have you been in this hobby? I couldn't image doing a 40-50% w/c on a 90 gal tank, how long does that typically take you to complete?

[fishmommie]

I hope I did :o)
I use an aquean water changer. takes all the work out of it

[ijankrom]

You know those pool cleaning devices that walk about the bottom and clean, I'm looking at seeing if I could make a miniature, very miniature, version that you can hook a air tube to and let it go through out the day cleaning the gravel. The water being sucked up through the hose would be the driving mechanism for moving it about and the water will then go through a mechanical filter (that you would occasionally clean out) and then water will return to tank. You think that's possible? I'll design the device to look like a turtle. Yeah watch someone has already designed it and you'll see it at your local pet store next week.

[fishmommie]

great idea. good luck!