Discus tank algae control tips

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Guard
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:01 am

Discus tank algae control tips

Post by Guard »

My 75 gallon Discus tank's got algae blooming like crazy, green stuff all over the glass and decor. Running a Fluval 407, weekly 50% water changes, lights on 8 hours a day. Tried reducing light to 6 hours, no luck. What's the move here?
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jiffix
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2023 10:25 pm

Re: Discus tank algae control tips

Post by jiffix »

Yo, algae's a pain, but you gotta cut the light more, like 4 hours max. Also, check your nitrates, bro. If they're high, that's feeding the algae. Maybe throw in some nerite snails, they're chill and munch on that green gunk.
Honey
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Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2023 4:19 am

Re: Discus tank algae control tips

Post by Honey »

Algae blooms often tie to excess nutrients. What's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can spike nitrates. I'd test params, aim for <10ppm nitrates. Also, consider floating plants like frogbit to outcompete algae for nutrients. They've worked wonders in my 90g.
guppy
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Joined: Sun Jun 25, 2023 12:20 pm

Re: Discus tank algae control tips

Post by guppy »

Honey wrote: Sat Aug 16, 2025 11:54 am Algae blooms often tie to excess nutrients. What's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can spike nitrates. I'd test params, aim for <10ppm nitrates. Also, consider floating plants like frogbit to outcompete algae for nutrients. They've worked wonders in my 90g.
Solid advice. I'd add that a UV sterilizer can help too. Cleared my algae issue in two weeks. Just make sure it's sized right for your tank.
Wind
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2024 5:25 pm

Re: Discus tank algae control tips

Post by Wind »

Man, I feel you. My 55g was a green mess until I dialed back the light and added more plants. Java fern and anubias are low-light champs. Also, how old are your bulbs? Older ones can shift spectrum and encourage algae.
Riseup
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Dec 03, 2023 12:43 am

Re: Discus tank algae control tips

Post by Riseup »

Aight, so less light, more plants, check nitrates. Got it. But what about algae eaters? Heard otos are good, but my Discus might mess with them. Any experience?
oizeT
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:49 pm

Re: Discus tank algae control tips

Post by oizeT »

Otos are tiny, might get bullied. Try bristlenose plecos instead, they're tougher. Just don't get a common pleco, those dudes grow huge and wreck plants.
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Magus
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2023 8:05 am

Re: Discus tank algae control tips

Post by Magus »

oizeT wrote: Sat Aug 16, 2025 3:48 pm Otos are tiny, might get bullied. Try bristlenose plecos instead, they're tougher. Just don't get a common pleco, those dudes grow huge and wreck plants.
Bristlenose are solid, but they're poop machines. If you go that route, up your water changes. Also, ever tried blacking out the tank for 3 days? Kills algae fast, just keep an eye on oxygen levels.
subway
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Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2023 2:00 am

Re: Discus tank algae control tips

Post by subway »

Algae's about balance. Light, nutrients, and CO2. If you're not running CO2, reduce light and nutrients. If you are, adjust the ratio. Test your phosphate too—high PO4 with low NO3 can cause blooms. API kits are cheap and reliable.
mrFluffy
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2024 10:02 am

Re: Discus tank algae control tips

Post by mrFluffy »

My tank's got the same vibe. Tried everything, even the blackout. Then I switched to RO water and bam, algae slowed way down. Maybe your tap's got something funky in it?
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