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Aquarium Question - How Can I Get My Aquariums to Grow Green Algae?
By clownfish
@clownfish (3272)
United States
February 16, 2007 3:25pm CST
Hi! I know there are people here who have great knowledge about aquarium and fishkeeping. I need your help! My aquariums grow brown algae instead of green algae. I know there are very few, maybe only 1, algae eaters who can survive on brown algae and I have lost 2 royal farlowellas because of it (and they aren't easy to get). I just use the standard light bulbs that come in the aquarium hoods when you buy them. My 30 gallon aquarium doesn't have much of a problem yet, but my 10 gallon is having major problems with brown algae. Any suggestions? I do scrub down the sides with a clean brush when I syphon the gravel. Today I took two of the plants out and washed them off before putting them back in the tank (clear water only). Does anyone know what to do to get my tanks to grow green algae?
Thanks! :-)
1 person likes this
3 responses
@gavinjayanand (61)
• Guam
18 Feb 07
Wow, this is a first, most people try to get rid of algae! Haha, I had a real problem CONTROLLING the amount of algae in my aquarium! Ahh, the irony of it all!
OK, the main thing I noticed in my aquarium when it bloomed with green algae was the fact that the aquarium was in direct sunlight. As green algae is photosynthetic, it requires sunlight. I would suggest putting your aquarium in partial or full sunlight to get green algae to bloom.
Please be very careful with putting your aquarium in direct sunlight, you will only need to do it for a few days, and then you can bring it back indoors, and keep it lit with normal aquarium lights. Algae, especially the green kind, can get out of hand very easily. They will cling to aquarium ornaments, growing into the smallest nooks and crannies, making it almost impossible to get rid of fully. Hope I could help!
@clownfish (3272)
• United States
18 Feb 07
Hi! Well, it's not so much that I want algae, but there are very few clean up crew and algae eating animals who can survive on it (the brown algae), otherwise I would just let them eat it. The problem is that neither of my tanks get direct sunlight. I wanted to protect my tanks from drafts. :-) So, I thought if I could get the tank to grow green algae instead, I would have a better shot at keeping it clean. Oh, well, I guess I'll just get the usual clean up crew guys and supplement their diets with green algae tablets. Do you think that would be okay? Thanks for your reply, too! :-)
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
16 Feb 07
I dont know the answer to your problem but this is an interesting discussion and I am going to be following it closely. We are going to be getting a fish tank and fish soon. I have no idea what kind to get or anything abou it. The only kind we have ever had is goldfish and we want something fancier.
@clownfish (3272)
• United States
17 Feb 07
Hi! I'm so glad you are thinking of getting an aquarium! They are so relaxing and very good for kids. My daughter wasn't too interested when I first started keeping goldfish and bettas, but now that we have the larger tanks, she loves them. She loves to help hold the hose when I syphon the gravel. She also loves to go to the pet store to see the animals and choose new fish. We just came home with two gorgeous guppies for our 10 gallon tank! :-)
Our angelfish we got a few weeks ago aren't afraid to try to take shrimp pellets out of my hand! It's so cute! My blood parrots act like they want to try it, too, but they are still too shy. You never know about fish. They are so much more interactive than just "swimming around." :-)
There's a really good website to look at to learn about different kinds of fish. It's www.thatfishplace.com They give a lot of good information about what fish require, what they're compatible with, and other great information. You don't even have to order anything and they also send out free catalogs! It might be a good way to see what you might be interested in having in the future. Keep in touch and let me know if you have any questions I can help with. :-)
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
23 Feb 07
The way I found it to grow when I had an aquarium, was direct sunlight. If you are doing that and it is brown, it could be the balance of the water. Please check with the vet or a good fish place, and they should be better to advise.
@clownfish (3272)
• United States
25 Feb 07
Hi! My aquariums don't get direct sunlight. You know, when you look at advice on where to place your aquarium in a room, they suggest that it's not in direct sunlight or near windows and doors or high traffic areas because of drafts. So, they don't get the exposure to grow green algae, either. Oh well, if I don't get it worked out, I'll just continue to supplement my algae eaters with green algae tablets so they get enough to eat. Thanks! :-)
