[crazie.eddie]

It depends on the algae. Some fish like Otos, certain plecos (Brisstlenose for example), farlowellas (get big), Cherry barbs, Siamese Algae Eaters, Some shrimp, snails, etc. Most will not eat all types of algae.

The black out method willl work, but the tanks need to be blacked out for at least a week.

Plants can work, but it can be a delicate balance. Too many plants and not enough of one nutrient can kill plants, thus, creating more nitrates.

Lighting can also effect the growth. Too much from the tank lights and/or nearby light from windows can also promote algae growth.

Not enough gravel cleaning/water changes will promote algae growth. This is becuase if you have a good filtration and a well established tank with lots of nitrifying bacteria, the ammonia and nitrITES may not rise, but the nitRATES can.

 

[crazie.eddie]

Ahh. the dreaded green water. GW is an algae bloom. Typical causes is excessive nutrients, but overfeeding, too much light, not enough water changes/gravel cleaning,

Cures:
1. UV filter or Diatom filter - Diatom filter is rather messy and can only be run for several hours. UV can be run 24/7/356 if needed.
2. Reduce the amount of feedings
3. Reduce amount of light the tank is exposed to. If the lights are on for 12 hours, try reducing to maybe like 10 hours
4. Perform more frequent gravel cleaning/water changes.

 

[crazie.eddie]

UV or ultraviolet is best used to allow for the best dwell time (amount of time the water makes contact with the light). Specific UVs have a manufacturer rating regarding the dwell time, depending on the specific need.

For example..
If you have an Eheim Pro II 2126 canister filter, which has a manufacturer flow rate of 250 GPH. According to Coralife's website, the instructions (page 5) state the following...

9 watt - 55 GPH to eliminate parasites, 121 GPH to eliminate algae, 253 to eliminate bacteria

18 watt - 110 GPH to eliminate parasites, 240 GPH to eliminate algae, 500 to eliminate bacteria

36 watt - 290 GPH to eliminate parasites, 680 GPH to eliminate algae, 1550 to eliminate bacteria

You want the best dwell time (length of time the water runs through the UV lamp) for your filter. So if your main purpose is to eliminate algae, then the 18 watt is sufficient if connected to the Eheim Pro II 2026 filter. Otherwise, you can connect a bigger UV, such as the 36 watt to the canister OR connect to a seperate powerhead to the UV filter.

I also use a UV and connect it to a powerhead, so I can easily transfer the UV to any tank having problems with algae or if I want to eleminate parasites.