[cjayBetta]

My 5g tank has been growing green hair for the past few months... Whenever I clean the tank I wash it all off with my aquarium sponge but it keeps coming back!

So, trying to get rid of it I changed the filter thingy thinking it was old and like... i dunno molding or something (not really mold but you know what i mean)

I can get a pic tomorrow but it looks like this: (not NEARLY as bad tho.. Just on the filter and sides of glass a little.)

 

[Olympia]

Sounds like a type of algae. For green algae usually reducing the amount of light will get rid of it.
Also, get some live plants if you have none, as they will compete with the algae for nutrients.

 

[Silverfang]

I noticed some growing in my tank today as well. I believe it is caused by too much light.

I hope someone else can offer input as well.

 

[cjayBetta]

I have live plants... I fine the light answer a little weird... I say that because at one point during this yucky green hair stuff my light burnt out and it took me like 4 days to get a new one... but i suppose there was not as much as there is now... So how long do you suggest me keeping the light on?

 

[Olympia]

Also, without changing the conditions you won't get rid of it.. Even if it looks like it's all gone, algae is a microscopic being thing (not actually a plant o-o), that can regrow from even one cell. So you best just reduce light.
I'd keep it on the minimum amount for your plants to survive.

 

[Sakura8]

Algae can also be caused by high nitrates and phosphates. Definitely test for nitrates and do a water change if necessary. You have to buy a seperate test kit for phosphate though. :/

One tip is to remove the hair algae and then leave the light off for 3-4 days. Also, does your tank get a lot of natural sunlight? That can be a cause too.

 

[Silverfang]

I moved my nerite onto the worst leaf, he's gonna be eating for a week I think.

 

[cjayBetta]

I plan on doing 100% water changes for both of my tanks this weekend as I will be on my way to france this wednesday So I want them to be clean and happy while im gone.

 

[Myates]

Don't do a 100% water change right before you take off.. especially on an established tank with a cycle already. You run the risk of your tank crashing and restarting a cycle, which in turn can cause deadly spikes that you won't be home to catch and do a water change for. So doing a 100% on established tanks, is a dangerous idea.

As mentioned above, some snails (such as nerite) love certain algae, as well as ghost shrimps. I would personally go for the shrimp, as they have very small bio loads unlike snails, so it won't be a shock to the system adding in new tank mates.

How long do you keep your tank lights on? It will depend on what type of plants you have, but usually an 8-10 hour session a day is all that is needed.

 

[cjayBetta]

Yea I never thought about that... ill do about 70-80% then

Ill have to convince my husband about the snail but he may go for it... I am allowed to keep my fishy's I just have some rules (got a little overboard once tehe)

I usually keep my lights on llonger then that..

 

[Myates]

I wouldn't do a big one like that either.. the more you take out in an established tank with plants, the more out of balance it can become. If your tank is heavily planted then I wouldn't do more then 50% max.. the live plants will help keep the tank clean while you are away.

I would suggest only 1 snail while you are gone- as many of them have huge bio loads, and you don't want them to make too big of a mess while you are away.

How long will you be gone?

I understand about having rules lol.. my boyfriend tries to give me as much leeway as possible, but he knows me enough to where he has to put his foot down now and again whenever we go to the stores lol

Some algae won't harm the tank, and can actually be good for it. I would say as long as you don't go past 12 hours a day, you should be fine.. just have your snail or shrimp help keep the algae maintained.

 

[cjayBetta]

I will NEVER get snails again lol they are so messy! lolol k 50% it is

 

[Silverfang]

A nerite isn't nearly as bad as an apple snail IME. I'd prefer the shrimp option myself, and recommend it. Have an Amano on one side, but my other boy knows to hunt a molted shrimp.

 

[dramaqueen]

Not to mention they stink to high heaven when they die.

 

[cjayBetta]

Agree