Algae

[WILLIAM]

In my 2 foot tank I only keep 2 striped raphael catfish with rocks and sand with internal filter. Bristle like algae grows on the rocks making it look disgusting. There is no plants. I have used brush to to clean them off..but they come in fast.I have th light on for 8 hrs a day. Is there anything I can do to stop this mess.

[bclee]

Are you doing weekly partial water change?

If not, you may want to consider that... may or may not solve the problem, but surely a good practice to start with.

Regular filter cleaning is another think I am thinking of.

BC

[scoobydoo]

The last time I had such a problem, found out that it was cos' my filter was totally choked full of rotting material.

[Allen_1971]

William,

I'm guessing that your tank is probably high on nitrates and phosphates...

also take a look to see whether the algae is growing on the areas where the water outlet of the filter is? i.e. is the water from the filter coming out and bouncing off the rock?

[WILLIAM]

Yes I am doing the weekly partial change. Green algae also appears on my glass.

[CK Yeo]

Dun on the lights loh. If not, you float duckweed or something shade the tank + suck nutrients. Or shorten the duration of the lights. Or lower intensity of the lights.

If not an option, then you just have to live with it.

ck

[hoppinghippo]

yep, why not take the chance and grow some plants? solves your prob and beautifies your tank!

ps. as a desperate resort you can take out the rock and use hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach and soak the rock to totally kill all algae on it plus spores. but you have to really wash it thoroughly and leave it in water for a few days (Out of sunlight!!!! Else you get algae on it again!) to remove all traces of hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach. works for me.