BenChod

I have 100 gallon tank with 6 discus. The tank has been set up for almost 2 years. The sub is mineralized soil caped with sand. The tank is set up as low tech so not CO2. The light was 4 t8 6500K and one planted tank bulbs. Filter is xp4 and sponge filter. The tank was doing great for a year. I started to get some algae out break about 6 months ago but was under control then it started to get worse. Water change was every other day since i kept discus and the water parameter showed no problem. I thought the plant needed better lighting since the plant growth was minimal vs the algae so i purchased 2 fennex planted+ 24/7. The new light was set on the 24/7 mode. The algae problem started to get worse after 2 month under the new light so turned one off. Now its out of control, i'm scraping off algae from plants, background and every glass. The more i scrap the worse it gets. I had to take out most of my stem plants to fight back the algae. I'm so frustrated now that i was going to start fresh but need to sell the discus first. i posted the fish for sale at DFWFISHBOX and as of today no interest. I don't want to sell the discus but i don't know if there is anything i can do without breaking the tank down and start new.

BenChod

I have hair algae, brown algae and blue-green algae. I also see some that look red to maroon. I've been keeping aquariums for 20 years and have never came across algae problem like this, any suggestion is appreciate.

Michael

Two Finnex Planted Plus fixtures is a lot of light for a low-tech non-CO2 tank. Try turning one of them off for a few weeks.

BenChod

I suspected the light so i had only one running for past 3-4 weeks if not longer. Originally i was going to get 2 finnex stingray but thought that wouldn't be enough light for plants so paid extra and got the planted plus as they were rated for low to med light. I've been thinking of getting co2 set up for the tank but i don't have time for ferts and extra maintenance.

BenChod

Also, sorry guys i haven't had the time to make it to any of the meeting due to kids and work.

CrownMan

Algae issues are so bizarre. There are a number of steps I have used over the years when I have had these types of algae issues. All of them have worked to some degree.

1. 3 Day tank blackout - I've used this one once on a 40 gallon CO2 tank that developed BBA and Green Slime algae everywhere. Basically, I wrapped the 4 sides of the tank with trash bags, removed all the lights and covered the tank with cardboard. I left the filters running and fed the fish as usual. I don't totally block the top and put in an air stone and air pump. Performed a 50% water change prior to the blackout and after 3 days, uncovered the tank, removed all infected plants and performed another 50% water change. I also turned off my Co2 during this period and dosed every day with Excel at 4 times strength. Also, strip and clean your Rena XP4 external filter before and after this treatment. Be careful not to kill the beneficial bacteria the filter provides.

2. If I had BBA, I always use Excel and a syringe to spray Excel on the affected areas of the plant. Even if I am using other methods to get rid of other types of algae. If I can, I will remove the plant and dip it in Excel for about 1 minute every day for a week. This has had good results for me.

3. I have treated Cyanobacterial algae infestations with a good antibiotic.

4. I used to run my lights about 10-12 hours a day but have cut that down to 8.5 hours and all 7 tanks are on a timer.

5. I do test for Nitrates, Nitrites, Phosphorus and Ammonia when I have a breakout but in the last 3 or 4 years I've been lucky. Partially because I keep my tanks overgrown and plants will out compete algae for excess nutrients. I also don't have overstock the tank with fish.

Check with mooncon about how he treated his Discus tank when it got overgrown with algae. We were at his home for a meeting earlier this year and he had just overcome a severe algae breakout in his 100 gallon tank. His tanks looked great.

Hope this helps.

mscotty12321

Other than green spot algae on older leaves, I have never had a problem with algae. Have I just been lucky or is just waiting for an opportunity to strike? I think I have a good balance of light and nutrients and I tweak when I see more algae. One thing I have wondered about is nutrients in the substrate. In the olden days with under gravel filters and no plants, I vacuumed the gravel thoroughly. I have read mixed reports on whether you should do so in planted tanks.

fishyjoe24

This guide helped me out when I had algae. hope it can help you out too.
http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm

BenChod

every thing leads back to low CO2. I've been thing about getting a co2 set up so this might be a good time. Any suggestion on co2 regulator and other equipment needed.

BenChod

http://greenleafaquariums.com/produc...o2-system.html

or

http://www.aquariumplants.com/Carbon...ator-p/co2.htm