Aquarium Dude Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Hi, I have just set up a 450l tank, it has been set up for about a month and now has some plants in it. In the last 5 days I have had a really big problem with algae, I think its thread algae, it sorta hangs of the plants and gravel. I just cant get rid of it, its taken over everything, I am vacuuming daily and am struggling and failing to keep it under control. What should I do? :-? :-? Do I need a co2 system to go with the 4x58 watt t8 tubes? Should I get some algae eaters pronto? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 More plants will help, they will use up the excess nutrient that is feeding the algae. A couple of small plecos would probably help keep it under control too, although they will just convert it to pleco poo :lol: At least thats easier to vacumn out. Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishboi Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Do I need a co2 system to go with the 4x58 watt t8 tubes? Should I get some algae eaters pronto? Thanks light and co2 would only add to the problem if u dont have enough plants so like Ianab said, more plants. what are u doing with out a cleaning crew in ur tank? every tank should have a cleaning crew, start with BN. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquarium Dude Posted May 8, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Light is already there, and tank is new so no fish yet. How about a fleet of golden siamese algae eaters and some kulhi loaches? It needs to be something not to big and peaceful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great White Hand Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Hi My cleanup crew is a BN, 8 ottos, 2 Siamese Algae Eaters and some corys who forage through top of the substrate. They certainly deal to algae, and are great fish to keep. Regards, TGWH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 tank is new so no fish yet Think you should start with a couple of little bristlenose plecos then They are small, hardy and peacefull. Put them in there for a few weeks and let them clean up and cycle the filters for you. Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquarium Dude Posted May 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 How about 6 sae or siamese flying foxes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
me love fishy Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 I would try getting algae eaters first before getting a CO2 setup, you may not need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jolliolli Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 My SAE's don't even look at the hair or brush algae in my tank :evil: . I saw one of them swim up to have a munch on the algae, decided he didn't like it and swam away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockerpeller Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 i was told they don't eat established hair algae. only new stuff. need flourish excel or something else to get rid of the old stuff. still need to get some more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carla Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Think you should start with a couple of little bristlenose plecos then They are small, hardy and peacefull. Not sure what you mean with small?? Mine were over 20cm long last time I saw them... :-? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 That is small compared to sailfin or common plecs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jolliolli Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 i was told they don't eat established hair algae. only new stuff. need flourish excel or something else to get rid of the old stuff. still need to get some more. Ok thanks for the heads up , i have only had them a week i'll try removing the affected leaves and see if that prevents it growing back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockerpeller Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Ok thanks for the heads up , i have only had them a week i'll try removing the affected leaves and see if that prevents it growing back have you had a read of the post Blueandkim made in the "Aquatic Plants" section. very helpful post in the "black algae" thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Not sure what you mean with small?? Mine were over 20cm long last time I saw them... Are you sure thats it's a bristlenose? They should only grow to about about 12-15 cm or so. If it's a common pleco though, then it's still a baby :-? Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 How long are your lights on for? How much natural light does your tank get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carla Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Are you sure thats it's a bristlenose? They should only grow to about about 12-15 cm or so. Yes I am very sure Ian. I have had thousands of baby bristlenoses from them. They bought themselves several tanks and filters already Come to think of it - must be my good organic homegrown menu I lay on for them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Yes I am very sure Ian. I have had thousands of baby bristlenoses from them. Cool... wonder if there is a world record for BN Catfish I think they sometimes measure them minus the tail fin? Maybe thats the difference? Anyway the tank in question was 400l, so he has room for a couple of bristlenoses anyway, even jumbo size ones. Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jolliolli Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 have you had a read of the post Blueandkim made in the "Aquatic Plants" section. very helpful post in the "black algae" thread. thanks have just headed over there and posted some questions on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquarium Dude Posted May 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2007 The lights are on for 11 hours and he tank doesnt get any direct sunlight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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