I have a 6 month old 37 gallon FOWLR tank that has an algae problem. I keep the lights on minimally, but I still have an orange/brown algae growing on my rocks and sand. I would get a clean up crew, but I have a valentini puffer who enjoys to eat snails and crabs. What do you recommend to help with the algae? Is there a fish that will eat it off the rocks? Or is there a puffer safe invertebrate I can get?
Algae help FOWLR tank
- Thread starter marleesan
- Start date
SnoopyDaPimp
New member
In lieu of that I have two Tiger Cowries and one spider counch. My puffer can't even phase any of them.
SnoopyDaPimp
New member
Almost forgot. I run carbon in my reactor constantly and at times run my skimmer wet. Just remember the water that you dump from your skimmer should be replaced with SW. I have my cup marked every 1/2C so I know how much to replace
I had a pretty bad algae problem in my FOWLRish tank and have finally gotten it under control. What really helped for me is vacuuming my rocks. I have a 5/8" hose with an Aqueon vacuum head attached to it. I use the vacuum head to start the siphon then take it off. The smaller diameter of the hose seems to improve suction and lets me get in the rocks to vacuum out algae. You'll be surprised at how much you'll take out during your water changes. I put a ball valve at the end of my hose so I can close it and move it without losing siphon. I also try to be diligent about getting as much detritus as I can.
The other thing is keeping up with water changes. I religiously change ~15% weekly.
Finally, consider changing what and how you feed your fish. Stay away from flakes and pellets. Instead use frozen food. Get about half a cup of aquarium water then add some frozen food to thaw out. When it's thawed out pour it into your fish net to drain it, then rinse the food off with more aquarium water.
Algae means you have too much nutrients in your tank and you need to take the appropriate steps to remove them. These three changes significantly improved the appearance of my aquarium.
The other thing is keeping up with water changes. I religiously change ~15% weekly.
Finally, consider changing what and how you feed your fish. Stay away from flakes and pellets. Instead use frozen food. Get about half a cup of aquarium water then add some frozen food to thaw out. When it's thawed out pour it into your fish net to drain it, then rinse the food off with more aquarium water.
Algae means you have too much nutrients in your tank and you need to take the appropriate steps to remove them. These three changes significantly improved the appearance of my aquarium.
Thanks so much for the help! Would algae come off with a regular siphon?
