Algae on glass lids

[thursyanna]

I'll take a picture this evening but I keep getting algae on the glass lids from my lights. I've started keeping the lights off most of the time now but I'm afraid my plants will suffer. I don't have a lot of live plants but would like to add more. I'm going to quess it's not safe to keep the lids off since I might have a jumper or two in the tank.
I've got a 55 gal long. There is a picture on my signature if anyone wants to look at it and give me any advise on keeping the algae off the lids. It's causing my lighting to be dim.

 

[Rivercats]

Is it on the actual lid or the the glass protectors over the bulbs? If on the lid this is the very reason I don't use lids. Personally other than removing the lids and wiping them down every couple of days I don't know of any way to keep the algae from returning. I'd love to hear if anyone has found a way to stop it from growing.

 

[thursyanna]

It's the actual lids. They are glass and the LED light bar sits on top. I thought about taking them off but I'm afraid someone might jump out!

 

[Rivercats]

What type fish do you have?

 

[thursyanna]

Oh boy, I have 6 tetras, a Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami, a Pearl Gourami, a Giant Gourami, a Green Severum, 2 Eartheaters, a Striped Rafael Catfish, a Pleco, and a female Betta. Plus half the plants are real and the other half are fake. Trying to get all real ones but it's just taking time and $$.

 

[Callmemr.joey]

Try getting algae eaters

 

[Rivercats]

I've never done this but I've heard many people over the years talk about using the plastic egg crate cut to size to use instead of a lid. It allows light but doesn't algae up.

 

[thursyanna]

The lids don't set on the water. They are about a 1/2" over the top of the water in the tank. I have a pleco but I don't think he can reach the algae. I was thinking about a snail, one that won't reproduce, to get it. Do you think that would work?

 

[thursyanna]

I've never done this but I've heard many people over the years talk about using the plastic egg crate cut to size to use instead of a lid. It allows light but doesn't algae up.

That sounds like a good idea. I'll have to find some of that this weekend if i get a chance. I'm glad you thought of that Rivercats!!

 

[aqua_chem]

Can you post a picture of this as well?

 

[thursyanna]

Can you post a picture of this as well?

I'll get a couple of pictures of my lids when I get home (after work). Plus, when I get an egg crate on top, I'll post another picture.

 

[Rivercats]

I honestly don't think a snail would go up there.

 

[thursyanna]

I honestly don't think a snail would go up there.

I bet you're right. I'm afraid I'd just end up with a snail infestation anyway!!

 

[thursyanna]

OK, got home, got the screen at Petsmart. It's for a reptile tank but it fits my 55 gal fine and is exactly what I wanted. The lady at the store said it wouldn't work but she obviously doesn't know me!! I used wire cutters and cut out two places for the filter tubes and one in the front to drop feed into. Looks good to me.

 

[Rivercats]

That should do it! Glad you got the problem solved.

 

[thursyanna]

Me too!! No more algae I hope!

 

[aqua_chem]

My only concern is that mesh that small might reduce your light levels. Window screen is often used to reduce light levels by about 30%. This is obviously bigger than that (therefore less light reduction), but it's still probably a factor.

 

[thursyanna]

My only concern is that mesh that small might reduce your light levels. Window screen is often used to reduce light levels by about 30%. This is obviously bigger than that (therefore less light reduction), but it's still probably a factor.

Actually I'm getting more light in the aquarium because I don't have any algae growing on the glass.