Definition of blackout?

[dora'sfishtank]

I've read a lot about folks on here trying "blackouts" to combat algae. Is a blackout when you simply don't turn on the aquarium lights for a period of time, or when you totally cover up the tank with a towel or something? I need to get rid of this green algae. It makes my substrate and plastic plants look horrible. I have 1 cory and an apple snail in there, as well as a few guppies in my 10gal. I do weekly PWC's and have kept feeding down, but I'm sick of the substrate looking so gross.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Blackouts are usually only used for planted tanks (as you dont 'need' lighting to begin with on a non planted tank). Being that you have a non planted tank, the reason you have algae is almost certainly a combination of overfeeding and too much light. Cover it up, turn off the light, give it 5 days or so. Do a big PWC after 5 days. Remember to be careful about how long you keep your light on. I turn the lights on my non planted tanks on for about 15 minutes every other day (when I feed), or when somebody is coming over.