Stupid Algae....

[Tony]

I'm having a bit of trouble with green algae in my breeder tanks. My other tanks are so inundated with anubias that I couldn't help but throw a plant in each of the 10 (relatively) newly setup tanks I have in my workshop.

Between the plants and the gravel I used to "seed" each tank, I think I introduced a nice dose of the green stuff (and a bit of the black stuff) into almost every tank.

I do 30%-50% water changes weekly religiously, so I'm certain that nutrients are not the issue. My lighting is typically on from 2 PM until 12 AM so I can work on the tanks after work.

Luckily, the black algae is still contained to the leaves of a few plants and has not migrated onto the other tank surfaces yet.

I am thinking of setting up a dark tank with a sponge filter to throw all the anubias in for a week to kill of the algae. As for the tanks, I scrape and I scrape, but it grows back relatively quickly.

My planted tanks and big Malawi tank are kept in check by ottocinclus cats, Siamese algae eaters and the mbuna, but I don't have that option in these mostly peacock tanks.

I have some nuissance snails (physidae, I think) in the breeder tanks that I smash whenever I see them and syphon out their eggs. Should I leave these snails? Also, I have a supply Malaysian trumpets in my planted tanks. Will introducing these help?

I saw an older post from Rachel about nerite snails, but these are sort of an expensive option for 10+ tanks, no?

Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah... though about using chemicals and trying to avoid them if possible as I've heard they sometimes mess with the fishs' gills. True?

 

[iamzrad]

UV filter.

 

[DiscusnAfricans]

I keep young bristle nose plecos in my smaller tanks. They won't outgrow the 10 gallon for a long time. You could try changing bulbs if they're old. Otherwise, less light or twice weekly water changes maybe.

 

[cmcpart0422]

I move my nerites from tank to tank to avoid buying enough for all my tanks. After having nerites I will never get anything but them. A group of 3-4 will clear a ten gallon in 48 hours probably.

 

[danger_chicken]

have you tested the water? I was doing 30% water changes every other day on one tank it was still loaded with nutrients. I had to up it to everyday. An old test kit lead me a stray. The MTS wont do much for the algea but the nerites will. cut the light back will help.

 

[Tony]

Thanks for the advice, fellas.

I'll try to up the frequency of my water changes a bit and cut back on the lighting to 8 or so hours per day.

I like the idea about moving nerites or at least buying them for a few tanks and shifting them around. Think I'll stop at the LFS on the way home and pick some up. They should be very slowly drip acclimated, correct?

I'll also keep an eye out for some bristlenoses at future auctions/the convention.

 

[cmcpart0422]

I got mine from msjinkzd and just thew them right into the tank. In my opinion if you have a choice get the zebra ones. I think they are the most hungry and get the job done the best.