Algae problem !!!!!

[paulsa67]

I have had my tank set up now for about 6-7 month.
4ft tank (9 discus few cardinals)...
Over the last 2-3 weeks the gravel becomes covered in algae EVERY NIGHT.
I use a fork to move it about which does make the gravel cleaner.
Can anyone give me any info or tips for keeping the gravel algae free...

The fish tank light is on for about 10-12 hrs a day...Was thinking I may need another filter...

Regards Paul

[Martin Boele]

Hello Paulsa76,

Can you describe the algea.
Is it green ore is it more green/bleu ?
If you take it out smells it ?
The algea on the garvel is it like a blanket over the gravel.

Martin B

[paulsa67]

yes it is green in colour
dosent really smell that bad
All i do is move the gravel around and it seems ok,but this is happening every day..

[fishingjedi]

Sounds like BG algae. Ive had the same problem in my tank. Usually caused by too much Phosphate in the water. Have you added any cheap fertilizer tabs, that was my mistake, way to much Phosphate in them. Do a 50% water change, then a complete blackout for 48 hrs, no light or C02. Change the wool in your filter, & get up your chelated Iron levels by adding Liquid fertilizer. Then after the 48hrs do another 50% water change. Try adding some fast growing plants aswell to chew up the excess phosphates & out compete the algae. Also get a timer & cut your light hours down to no more than 10 hrs per day.
Hope that helps you out, Some of the more experienced planted tank enthusiasts will be able to give you some better advice once they see your post.
Cheers.

[duck]

Have you got any circulation in the tank?

[Tycoon]

Hi Paul!

How is your nitrate NO3 + phosphate PO4 salary in the water?

Andy

[paulsa67]

Hello again

Ive added no fertilizer tablets ,etc..

Circulation is ok....

Nitrate NO3 + Phospahate PO4 (DONT KNOW WHAT THIS IS)

.................................................. .................................................. ...

If its the Nitrate levels they are sitting about 10
Nitrite 0
PH is 6.4
Temp.. 78C


Im relatively new to keeping discus but i have owned fish yanks for about 10 years..
As I said earlier it just seems to be the last 2-3 weeks this has happened..


Cheers Paul...

[Tycoon]

Hi Paul!

The mount temperature for the discus amounts to at least 28° degrees
Celsius to 30° degrees Celsius (82.4 to 86 Fahrenheit).

Nitrate and a very important nutrient is phosphate for plants, he can
though be not consumed completely result for algae.

Excessively high nitrate judges in connection with a high phosphate value
lead to alga growth. Remedy creates water changes here.
Water change is the best one Filtration!!!

In the trade gives droplet tests around these to determine value!

Where are you coming from?

Best wishes!

Andy

[paulsa67]

My tank is sitting at 29... no problem their..


I do a water change every 2-3 days


Think i may need a new and more powerful filter..

[duck]

Think i may need a new and more powerful filter..

Why how big is the filter and what kind?
Do you have any pics? that would help alot.