Algae bloom

[ppcpcichlids]

To anyone with information that may be helpful....

I started my 95 gallon lake Malawi cichlid tank in the middle of October. I did not put any algae eating fish into the tank until I noticed some algae blooms. My concern is that I know very little about controlling algae, or if it poses any serious threat to the ecosystem in the tank.

The algae that is present is not overwhelming at the moment. It is like a rusty brown color and is patchy throughout the tank on the rocks and substrate.

Yesterday I added 2 small (3") plecos to the tank. Should I be doing anything else? Any feedback would be appreciated. The local fish store to me is PetSmart, and they may as well be "PetStupid" when it comes to anything in the tanks...Each time I go there a new associate has been hired!

Thanks

PPCPCichlids

[Mike]

One thing I would suggest about the algae bloom is to leave the light off longer than it is left on this will help stop the algae growth and save you on your energy bill as well.

Pleco's are another way of solving the problem but be sure to feed them some algae wafers every now and again since the algae will more than likely already be eaten by the cichlids you keep in that 95Gal of yours. Good luck and don't listen to the "specialist's" at the LFS find online cichlid websites and forums you'll get a wider range of info from experienced cichlid owners. Thanks for posting!

Mike

[ppcpcichlids]

Thanks for the advice Mike... I will get some algae wafers and continue to utilize this site for solid feedback and instruction!

[Cichlidgirl]

Doing regular weekly 20 to30 percent water changes will help with that brown algea. In the mean time you can scrub it off the rocks with a toilet brush you buy for just that purpose (please dont try to recycle one from your house, bacteria bacteria bacteria or toxic chemicals. Just spring for 1.50 and buy a brand new one LOL) I have a problem with it myself. I noticed that when i dont do my water changes as often as i should and the nitrates build up the algea gets worse. Like mike said, leave lights off during the day or when your not in the room looking at the tank. Also try to reduce sunlight from any nearby windows. Those are the main ways i try to control the algea. Be extremely careful when using algeacides, very harsh chemicals, especially when used with the water clearing drop !

[dragonkeeper]

Brown alge is a diatom and plecos don't generally eat these. Turning off the lights for a while and keeping up on water changes will solve your problem.

Keeper