Habitat - Indoor :: Algae Problem

[illtriniboy]

Ok so I think i have a problem with algae in my tank. Something about single cell algae? basically what's happening is my water keeps turning pretty green. I know for a fact its not the doings of the guys living in there and I do have a massive algae eater, big enough filter. So, I'm pretty sure its algae. Also my dock is pretty much totally green where it is under water, and the parts that are mostly dry, they're getting there too. Its one off those zoo floating docks that u suction cup to one of the aquarium walls. With the UV bulbs that we are required to use how do you avoid this? What have you guys done? I'm thinking replace my dock, but before I waste money will that work? I dont want to buy one of those UV sterilizers so what else can I do? Thanks in advance, much appreciated.

[Daniel3507]

there really is no way to avoid algae. there are things you can had to the water that help control it but the only thing you can do really is scrub it off. if the tank is near a window that can cause alot of algae. if your water is turning green it sounds like an algae bloom. even though you dont want a UV sterilizer it would help with the green water

[thegrandpoohbah]

A UV sterlizer is your best bet against green water. You could also try a flocculent such as P Clear: http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/aquatic/product.cfm?CAT=1&SUBCAT=121&PROD_ID=01076430010101. Using it in conjunction with some filter floss in your filter will help reduce the algae problem.

[TurtleLover_S&B]

Well,really algae doesn't hurt them,but I you just want it gone trying cleaning it with hot water while scrubbing it.It should come off after that,but proably will come back.

[TurtleLover_S&B]

You can keep the algae there,it doesn't bother them.

[octpusgirl8]

Have you tested the nitrate and phosphate levels of your water? High levels of either of these could be encouraging excessive algae growth. A full blown algal bloom (green water) usually means a combination of high nutrient levels and lots of light. You can't avoid the light (unless you build an ATBA) but you can control the nutrient levels with more frequent water changes or different filter media.

[illtriniboy]

thanks everyone,

Its not just little green spots its like the water is GREEN, whereas i cant see through the tank at all and can barely spot the turtles!

It's pretty much as far away from the window as possible.


I think I'll try some of those solutions like P Clear or something or maybe Ill test my water and see whats going on. what filter material are you talking about? Main reason for avoiding the UV sterilizer is money, plus another piece of equipment in there kind of sucks IMO. We shall see what happens, I did a pretty good water change removed mostly everything in the tank and scrubbed the hell out of my dock. hopefully the walls and filter didnt retain too much of the algae.

[octpusgirl8]

Algae killing products jusr kind of mask the problem, i feel like it's healthier for the turtle to resolve the umderlying issue causing the algal bloom. If nitrates are the issue, water changes are the answer. If phosphates are the problem, there's a filter media called phos-ban that works well. I think water testing will tell you a lot.

[illtriniboy]

i assume there are some guides around for water testing? can u point me to the easiest/best way or possibly tell me? anyone?

thanks!

[octpusgirl8]

Go to your local Petsmart or what have you and you'll find test kits somewhere in the fish section. You can get them online too if that's easier for you. Get a master test kit that has tests for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates etc. and get a phosphate test kit too. They'll come with directions, it's really easy. Don't get the dip stick kind, they're not very accurate. You can also take a water sample in to a lot of aquarium stores and have them do the testing for you, but it's good to have the kits so you can check up on water quality periodically.

[bearsphan3.14]

There is media for filters that removes phosphates, nitrites & nitrates. I know Fluval makes one called Clearmax. I do not know how well it works but it may be worth a try.

[illtriniboy]

just to let you guys know, I got rid of this green water problem just by scrubbing the HELL out of my turtle dock and removing some decorations which i guessed were collecting algae although not really green or anything. after scrubbing and removing, i did a water change but it turned green again in a few days, then did another water change and the problem is gone, no chemicals, no uv sterilizer, no filter media stuff.

thanks for all your help

[Raphulk]

is your tank near a window? because that is a well known starter of algae bloom

if not, then you're pretty much in a boat like most of us, we all deal with algae, some don't like it and some don't really care. how you like to handle it is completely optional


but everyone above stated pretty good methods of control

i personally just scrub when I think it's a bit too much, I also have a magfloat on my glass