How can I control algae in my PLANTED fishtank?

I have a 12 gal Eclipse system tank, planted with a ton of live java ferns. I have it decorated with wood and natural colored gravel mixed with laterite.

For fish, I have one honey gourami, 4 glow-lite tetras and 3 ottos. The ottos seem to be keeping the plant leaves clean, but not the glass.

I have the flourescent lighting on in the tank for about 8hrs a day, and I have a lot of black hair algae and green algae on the glass. Thanks!

How can I control algae in my PLANTED fishtank?
That's tough. I would suggest, however, getting some different types of plants. The more plants you have in your tank, the less likely it is for algae to grow. I know you said you have a lot of java fern, but that is notorious for being a very hardy plant, therefore not requiring many nutrients to survive. Now, where do you think these excess nutrients are going to? The algae. Starve the algae, and it will disappear.



The type of light might also be an issue. Florescent light tends not to have a very broad spectrum. A type of bulb specifically designed for planted tanks will help.



Last thing to suggest, get a fish that likes that type of algae. Chinese Algae eaters are great for cleaning up the black hair algae, as are platies and mollies. Plecos will not eat your live plants, but they do get very large, so may not be a good option for your tank.



Good luck with your tank!
Reply:Try a filter
Reply:If it's near the sunlight, try to move it to a differnet spot away from sunlight.
Reply:I have a 55 gal with java ferns, so...



Ottos are pretty good for keeping the glass clean. Sometimes they sell a sort of fish that's about an inch long, called a "Siamese algae eater" or a "Butterfly algae eater" or a "Siamese pleco." It's not a real pleco, and doesn't get that big. It looks more like a flat pebble with a tail, and it has little spots all over it. These guys eat the algae off the glass, and never touch the plants.



Malay trumpet snails do help a little, but they can get out of hand, and the only good way to keep them in check is to get a loach. Ramshorn snails (American ones, with the red skin) are a little better, but they really go all out, and they can carry diseases. If you crush a few of them, the gouramis and the tetras will eventually start eating the babies.



An apple snail might also work. I have some doubts about them with java ferns, but I'm pretty sure the real problem was the pleco, and they rarely live for more than a year anyway.



I've found that brighter lights also help. It may be time to change out the tubes. Different sources suggest 6 months to a year between each change out. If you're cheap like me, you can wrap the inside of the fixture with aluminum foil, but be careful not to get that too close to the contacts, and be sure to tape it down good.
Reply:Plecostomas. I have found they are the best algae eaters, they eat it off the glass, plants, gravel. They are commonly referred to as pleco's at most pet stores.
Reply:Maybe try getting an allege eater or you can buy stuff at the pet store that helps keep allege down.
Reply:Have you tried an Algae Eater or Plecostamus fish? I am not sure what an Otto is =(
Reply:Keep it away from the sunlight. Change your bulb to a lower uvb bulb only use a 80% sunlight in the bulb. It will take care of your problem. I also suggest getting a gold algae eater they are gorgeous and they only get 5 or 6 inches long and will clean your tank up immaculate.
Reply:you can go out to buy those snails^^ or those small cat fish. but for the snails, I've heared that the snails over time make the water "itchy" for the fish, in the end causing them to be sick. long story short.. cat fish. ^^
Reply:How about algae eaters?
Reply:Your lucky if it is just the glass. Get the small magnetic scrubbers. You put one on the inside, one on the outside. You never have to get your hands wet. Be careful though an eclipse is acrylic, it scratches easily. You may have to use a cotton rag to rub it off. The filter will clear the particles out of the water.
Reply:buy a razor glass scraper and remove all new growth regularly. It will no damage your tank and will remove it so cleanly that it will inhibit the regrowth. They are available in some dollar stores and paint departments.
Reply:get a algae eater fish, they really clean the tank and do it fast.
Reply:The green algae on the glass is best just dealt with by getting plastic pot scruber, and scrubbing it off. The hair algae is a favored food of a lot of live bearer. Try a male molly, platty or swordtail for that.
Reply:make sure your tank is not in direct contact with sunlight.

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