Help with green water

[tetrakid]

I have another tank which is near a north-facing window (no direct sunlight), and it is always too green with thick Algae.

2 metres is too far I think. Also, is your window facing east? Place your tank nearer to a east facing window. I can assure you, you will have your green water.

You said this earlier, that's why I was replying telling you I have problems growing Algae in those tanks 2 meters away from the window.

Sunlight, even just a bit , is enough for green water

[felix_fx2]

Just a noticeable tint of green water is superb. Too much of a good thing is defintely bad and unhealthy due to the side effects. Maintaining a constant low level of Algae needs some regular routine.

Green water will grow green fast when one overfeed the fish, causing more nutrients to be available to the Algae.

Additional aeration at night is a must to tackle the competing oxygen needs of fish and Algae.

I am asking why is it good? I do not believe in telling folks to do things and not let them know the reason behind it.
That would be very bad in the long run, when the other member teaching without knowing the background reason. Then it will develop to the blind leading the blind

If something is good, example like BB we know what exactly it does and why it is good & able to gauge what is a good range for it to perform.

REF: http://theaquariumwiki.com/Green_water

Extract from the above.
As green water is planktonic algae, there is a train of thought that indicates that the green water is good for fish (if the water is aerated). Goldfish keepers usually are keen to see green water in certain cases.

1. Algae provide nutrients for newly hatched fry as it can provide an alternative food source for omnivorous and herbivorous fish, especially small fry from egglayers who may sometimes survive only on green water.
2. It indirectly act as a colour enhancer as they contain natural colour enhancer like chlorophyll fucoxanthin, astaxanthin and other carotenoids.
3. Infusoria will also develop within the algae on which the fish will feed. These 100% natural (and free) live feeds help develop the intense colouration of your fish and will feed fry and tadpoles.
4. Good wen growth: It is believed that providing natural foods helps promote the growth of fins and outer skin structures like Lionhead goldfish hoods.
5. Natural cleanser and oxygenator. The other main benefit of algae is that it helps clean the water in the tank of organic waste and produces oxygen (near the surface or tank walls which are lit). Green algae is, after all, a plant.

[tetrakid]

That's why I am an ardent fan of Green Water Algae. I simply love it.

There are different arguments about its goodness. With google, anyone can have a very solid education on Algae.

[SkengMan]

Don't put your tank where it can get direct sunlight Or you can introduce some algae eaters to your comm. Maybe go to LFS and buy something that prevents algae growth.

[biljas]

Any proven link?
So far as I know, algae is always in the water. Only some hobbyist and farms do cultivate green water.

http://vermilliongoldfishclub.com/greenwater-frame.htm

Algae itself does no harm to fish and other fauna but only unwanted in too large quantity as its a eyesore.

But the thing is WHY green water good? I got a few old friend also say green water is good for fish, but no proven references when I asked them.

Since you also support the idea it is good you might be able to provide a online reference with good documented why it is so good. It will serve us and my bookmarks.

Green water is good because the single cell algae feeds on the waste produce by the fishes and in turn produce oxygen through photosynthesis. I have a green tub bubbling with Oxygen in the day. Have been raising baby platies in this tub without any filtration and have not lost a single fish to date. They grow fast and healthy.

[biljas]

Don't put your tank where it can get direct sunlight Or you can introduce some algae eaters to your comm. Maybe go to LFS and buy something that prevents algae growth.

Algae eaters does not clear greenwater. Only Daphnia will eat them. The fastest way to clear greenwater is to use a UV filter. I got a serious case of greenwater in my outdoor pond and got a UV filter and within 3 days, water crystal clear.

[biljas]

That sounds strange. What light are you using, and how long do you have it on?

Normally if it is near a window green water will develope in about 2 weeks.

I am very interested in tackling the green water problem too. Other than using UV equipment, which is expensive to buy, there has to be other methods.

Incidentally, if theres such a thing as special UV equipment for rental, will you consider renting it? Just a thought, though at present there's no such thing.

I have a UV filter. Anyone keen to rent to clear the greenwater problem?

[AhVy]

Hi there... My 2ft cichlid tank was also invaded by green water!
I read through the posts and mine isn't that serious. So i will do about 30% daily water change for 1 week.
My question is...why is the water smelly? It smells like dead fish in the tank...but none of my fish died!



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[w47]

Hey, btw my water is now clear alr
I added gravel to my tank a month ago and now the water are colourless, i guess the gravels could have provided a place for tons of bb to grow, thus improving my water condition.