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pitterpatti
10-25-2007, 11:04 AM
My tank is about 6 months old now and now I am seeing brownish yellow algae I guess it is starting to cover my large piece of driftwood, and my rocks and the large, tall holy rock..... Also growing on the tall holy rock is deep green algae which is a result of my lights I am sure.

I only use minimal lighting about 8 hours a day, used to do 12 hrs, but stopped that about a month ago. The tank is planted with low light plants and the fish seem to be keeping the plants clean so far. I have 6 otos in the tank.

How do I stop this from continuing? Is it a sign that I am doing something wrong? I have sand in the tank, pool sand. It looks clean. It is a loach tank with two cory cats so not much stays on the bottom food wise. I do water changes about every 2 weeks, usually 50 % but am trying to do smaller more frequently now.

Any ideas or suggestions? I am getting ready to take out and brush down. I hate to see this massive driftwood all yellow brownish.....

thanks!
Patti M

biggin
10-25-2007, 11:26 AM
Is it like hairy or mostly color?

fatfutures
10-25-2007, 12:02 PM
I had a similar thing happen... my nitrAtes were out of control. I'd check that... just in case.

kewlkatdady
10-25-2007, 04:31 PM
I'd start with checking the nitrates...but if its a planted tank chances are they are low...

Did you change your bulbs recently?

China8USA
10-25-2007, 05:01 PM
I would say let it go for a bit. If the green algae takes over let it stay there. I love it.

If you hate algae.. then I guess snails or a different algae eating species may help. Otos are cool but they all prefer different varieties, Bristlenose may work mine always ate slime algae.

fishyjoe24
10-25-2007, 05:01 PM
yep check your nitrates.

bra8ndy8
10-25-2007, 08:17 PM
Mine did that after it cycled after a couple of months! Leave the lights off for 3-4 days....the fish could careless....and it should go away! But I would check your water as well!

Eclipse12
12-03-2007, 12:32 PM
Get some otos, they'll clean it up in 2 days, guaranteed!

kewlkatdady
12-03-2007, 12:50 PM
she has 6 of them...

Trippy
12-03-2007, 12:50 PM
Simple , 3 PLECO S, that's what u need for 60 days !

Eclipse12
12-03-2007, 04:15 PM
Oh my, sorry! They worked for me!

kewlkatdady
12-03-2007, 04:19 PM
Oh my, sorry! They worked for me!

No worries...

oh and by the way welcome to THE fishbox.

You should go to intrduction thread and tell us a little about yourself.

etc
12-03-2007, 08:14 PM
Do freshwater tanks have the same problems with diatom like saltwater tanks?