Algae Problem

**kerubinu10** · 16th May 2011, 17:55

Hi all,

I have a problem which is the continuos growth of algae.

I tried yamato shrimps but i have to isolate them cos one of my cherry shrimps is pregnant.

Can someone advise me what to do??

**jeffteo** · 16th May 2011, 19:16

You can start by telling us the following.
Tank size?
Lights used?
How long are the lights on each day?
Any fertilizer dosing and what are dose?
Water parameters, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate level?
Water change regime?

**kerubinu10** · 18th May 2011, 14:18

Tank size: 1 and a half feet
Lights used: 2 lightings
Lights on: approximately 5-6 hrs

As for the rest, I'm not so sure how to test the ph or anything.
Btw, I do have a fan tat is on for 24 hrs.

**sungod666** · 19th May 2011, 03:54

Best solution to algae problem is to get an UV sterilizer. otherwise you just have to place the tank away from sunlight, scrub it regularly and blah blah blah all that back breaking nonsense. spend the money and you will be rewarded with clear water. cheers

**jeffteo** · 19th May 2011, 11:25

I think UV sterilizer works only if the algae gets pass through it like green pond algae.
If it is already growing in the tank, it won't help much but to find the balance between the light, nutrient and plant.

For a tank that is already cycled, excess nutrient will be the cause. It you do not want to do any test which you should, get some floating plants like frog bits to add to the tank to help absorb the excess nutrient. Water change is another way to help reduce excess nutrient. For the start you may want to do 10% water change every 2-3 days for 2 weeks. This will help starve the algae of nutrient.

Try to get the test kit, liquid drops type will be more accurate but if you are on a budget can start with test strips. Basic test kits that you should get are Ammonia, Nitrite, NitrAte and pH. These should be readily available at all the LFS.

What is the total Watt for your lighting. Your plant mass is not that high and will not require so much lighting. With excess nutrient and too much light, algae will be very happy to stay in your tank.
I can't really see what kind of algae you have in your tank. Is it on the glass? Can highlight or zoom in on the algae?
If it is on the glass, you can add in 1/2 Horned Nerite snail or Oto.

**kerubinu10** · 19th May 2011, 19:44

Thanks bro for all the feedback.
Will try to reduce the timing of the lightings and see wat happens??

Btw, I just change the carbon ytd, and this morning, 3 of my shrimps died? Is it due to the new carbon I just change or wat??

Feeling sad and puzzled..

**Yulbrainer** · 19th May 2011, 20:32

Originally Posted by jeffteo

I think UV sterilizer works only if the algae gets pass through it like green pond algae.
If it is already growing in the tank, it won't help much but to find the balance between the light, nutrient and plant.

For a tank that is already cycled, excess nutrient will be the cause. It you do not want to do any test which you should, get some floating plants like frog bits to add to the tank to help absorb the excess nutrient. Water change is another way to help reduce excess nutrient. For the start you may want to do 10% water change every 2-3 days for 2 weeks. This will help starve the algae of nutrient.

Try to get the test kit, liquid drops type will be more accurate but if you are on a budget can start with test strips. Basic test kits that you should get are Ammonia, Nitrite, NitrAte and pH. These should be readily available at all the LFS.

What is the total Watt for your lighting. Your plant mass is not that high and will not require so much lighting. With excess nutrient and too much light, algae will be very happy to stay in your tank.
I can't really see what kind of algae you have in your tank. Is it on the glass? Can highlight or zoom in on the algae?
If it is on the glass, you can add in 1/2 Horned Nerite snail or Oto.

Very useful and detailed explanation. Good information for my upcoming tank.
Thanks a lot.

**jeffteo** · 20th May 2011, 00:53

Originally Posted by kerubinu10

Thanks bro for all the feedback.
Will try to reduce the timing of the lightings and see wat happens??

Btw, I just change the carbon ytd, and this morning, 3 of my shrimps died? Is it due to the new carbon I just change or wat??

Feeling sad and puzzled..

Shrimps especially CRS are very sensitive to changes. Toxic may be leeched back into the tank when removing the carbon. Try to change it way before expiry, usually every 30 days and be as gentle as possible when removing it.
And did you wash the new carbon before putting into the tank?

**kerubinu10** · 20th May 2011, 09:36

Huh?? Must wash the it before use huh?? OMG, I forgot about it. Then how huh???

**jeffteo** · 20th May 2011, 15:58

Put in already then leave it. Next time remember to wash and preferably is use dechlorinated water.

**kerubinu10** · 20th May 2011, 16:06

Thks bro. Where can I get the dechlorined water from??

**jeffteo** · 20th May 2011, 16:40

Originally Posted by kerubinu10

Thks bro. Where can I get the dechlorinated water from??

From anti chlorine and chloramine solution like Seachem Prime. Don't you dechlorinate your water when doing water change? Just get a cup of tap water, add the dechlorinator and swash the carbon in it a few times. You never know what happens at the factory where the carbon is being processed.

**kerubinu10** · 20th May 2011, 18:34

Wat are all these bubbles?? Can someone advise me??

**kerubinu10** · 21st May 2011, 00:07

Forgot to add in the pic.

**fishyfanatic** · 21st Jun 2011, 00:47

imho, controlled feeding is still the best way to prevent algae overgrowth. remove the food 2-3 hours after first putting them in. works fine for me now.

**lonelobo** · 22nd Jun 2011, 22:15

whats wrong with keeping yamato with pregnant cherries?

**thebaldingaquarist** · 22nd Jun 2011, 22:29

hi,
If i were you...
First thing i would do is to find a larger box for the yamatos.

second thing i would do is to get a 6 in 1 test strip (budget) and test for nitrates and nitrites. smell the water. If there is a hint of pungent smell, means ammonia is present.

Third thing, i would place in a clear partition to separate the berried shrimp from the rest. 50% to the berried shrimp if you are so concerned.

Hope i have helped.