effective methods for removing aquarium algae

[Stefan]

Hello everyone,

I'm dealing with a bit of an issue in my 29 gallon planted tank. I've got 10 harlequin Rasboras, 8 peppered and green cories (lost 2, think they were too small to eat the food), and a peacock Gudgeon.

I've been having some trouble with brown algae. It's been a few months since the tank was planted, and I've managed to keep the glass clean, but the decorations and plants are getting covered in it. This is really affecting the plant growth and they're weakening. I'm looking for a fish or shrimp that can help clean the algae and also do well in my tank.

[boomer]

Hello everyone,

I'm dealing with a bit of an issue in my 29 gallon planted tank. I've got 10 harlequin Rasboras, 8 peppered and green cories (lost 2, think they were too small to eat the food), and a peacock Gudgeon.

I've been having some trouble with brown algae. It's been a few months since the tank was planted, and I've managed to keep the glass clean, but the decorations and plants are getting covered in it. This is really affecting the plant growth and they're weakening. I'm looking for a fish or shrimp that can help clean the algae and also do well in my tank.

To tackle this issue, we need to identify the algae species first. The term "brown algae" is quite broad - it could be diatoms, but some folks also use it to describe black brush algae, which can have different appearances. Can you tell me if the algae comes off easily with your fingertips, or is it more stubborn and harder to remove from plant leaves?

[WildFins]

To be honest, I think we're putting too much faith in animals to solve our algae problems. The most effective algae cleaners are still us. While an animal might help a bit, the results will likely be underwhelming. And let's not forget, these animals have their own needs - they might outgrow our tanks, require a school, or produce too much waste.

Algae is a symptom of an imbalance in our tanks. It thrives when there's too much light or nutrients. So, the solution might be as simple as reducing the lighting duration or intensity, cutting back on overfeeding, adding fast-growing plants to compete with the algae for nutrients, or increasing the frequency or volume of water changes.

I think boomer's questions are a good starting point. Once we determine the type of algae you're dealing with, we can figure out the best course of action.

[infold]

When I clean the glass, I just use a paper towel during water changes, that's it. Beyond that, if you're dealing with algae, there's likely an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

[WildFins]

When I clean the glass, I just use a paper towel during water changes, that's it. Beyond that, if you're dealing with algae, there's likely an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Relying on an animal to tackle tank maintenance is often a letdown, as they can't address the underlying issues driving the problem.

[sidthy]

I'm still having trouble with the brown algae in my tank, and I'm not sure what kind it is. When I touch it, it doesn't come off easily, it's pretty stubborn. I've been trying to manage it by cleaning the glass regularly, but like I said, it's mainly the plants and decorations that are getting covered. I've also been thinking about adding some more fast-growing plants to outcompete the algae, but I'm not sure if that's the best solution. I've been doing regular water changes, but maybe I need to do them more frequently or make them larger. I'm open to any suggestions, and I appreciate the questions boomer asked, I think figuring out what kind of algae I have is a good place to start.

[infold]

To be honest, I think we're putting too much faith in animals to solve our algae problems. The most effective algae cleaners are still us. While an animal might help a bit, the results will likely be underwhelming. And let's not forget, these animals have their own needs - they might outgrow our tanks, require a school, or produce too much waste.

Algae is a symptom of an imbalance in our tanks. It thrives when there's too much light or nutrients. So, the solution might be as simple as reducing the lighting duration or intensity, cutting back on overfeeding, adding fast-growing plants to compete with the algae for nutrients, or increasing the frequency or volume of water changes.

I think boomer's questions are a good starting point. Once we determine the type of algae you're dealing with, we can figure out the best course of action.

It's astonishing how many people fall for the "algae eater" myth. New aquarists are often misled into thinking these fish are the solution to their algae problems. But the truth is, they're merely algae grazers. They won't solve the underlying issues. I say we set the record straight whenever we can - it's time to debunk this outdated notion.

[Clack]

I've always found it frustrating when some YouTubers and websites claim that having a "clean up crew" means you can just sit back and let your fish or snails do all the work. It's misleading and makes it sound like you can just dump the responsibility on them, when in reality, it's just not that simple.

[WildFins]

When I clean the glass, I just use a paper towel during water changes, that's it. Beyond that, if you're dealing with algae, there's likely an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

I was also taken in by the promise of an easy fix. My tank was overrun with pest snails, so I brought in assassin snails, just like many people suggested. The problem was, I had a bigger issue on my hands - overfeeding. And as it turns out, assassin snails are more interested in leftover fish food than they are in taking out the pest snails. It wasn't until I addressed the overfeeding that I was able to get the pest snail population under control. I learned the hard way that relying on an animal to solve my problems wasn't the answer.

[Stefan]

Hello everyone,

I'm dealing with a bit of an issue in my 29 gallon planted tank. I've got 10 harlequin Rasboras, 8 peppered and green cories (lost 2, think they were too small to eat the food), and a peacock Gudgeon.

I've been having some trouble with brown algae. It's been a few months since the tank was planted, and I've managed to keep the glass clean, but the decorations and plants are getting covered in it. This is really affecting the plant growth and they're weakening. I'm looking for a fish or shrimp that can help clean the algae and also do well in my tank.

To tackle this issue, we need to identify the algae species first. The term "brown algae" is quite broad - it could be diatoms, but some folks also use it to describe black brush algae, which can have different appearances. Can you tell me if the algae comes off easily with your fingertips, or is it more stubborn and harder to remove from plant leaves?

I think there might have been a misinterpretation of my question. I'm aware that I'm responsible for maintaining my tank, and I do take care of the glass, filter, heater, and decorations. However, my main concern is the algae growth on my plants. I've attempted to clean them manually, but the delicate parts are prone to damage, which is why I was inquiring about a suitable cleaner that could assist me in this task.

Regarding my tank's lighting, I keep it on for 6-8 hours daily. As for feeding, I provide my fish with small amounts every other day, ensuring they finish their food before adding more. I've also incorporated fast-growing plants, which do outcompete the algae to some extent, as evidenced by the new green sprouts. Nonetheless, I'm worried that the algae might eventually overwhelm them, creating a cycle.

I suspect that the issue might be related to nutrient levels in my tank. I have soft water, but I'm using natural rocks that could potentially increase the calcium levels, contributing to the algae growth.