Algae HELP!!

[Amandakeen83]

I manage my Mother in laws 2 tanks and both are having the same problem . I personally never had issues in my own tank with algae but with hers is another story! Original set up of both tanks was Thanksgiving 2014 and then at Christmas we done a 50% tank water change on both and put in new filters (NO ALGAE AT AT DURING THAT TIME BETWEEN). They both ran very well until then.... 2 weeks later green EVERYWHERE! SO I break them down and clean everything and put them back together. 3 days later you can see it growing on the fake plants and some of the gravel and ornaments. I'm at lost for what to do.

Info: Lights on for approx 8-10 hours daily and no direct contact with natural light.
First tank is 50(?) gallon breeder tank, black/neon spotted gravel. 2 goldfish only (can't keep algae eater alive in this tank at all). Bar bubbler and 60g tetra filter. (First 2 pics)

Second tank is a 37 g tall tank with filter that came with it new in box. 5 black skirts, 2 neon similar look as the black shirts, albino Cory catfish and algae eater. Blue gravel and small round bubbler. (last 2 pics)

 

[Mebbid]

What light fixture?
What are the parameters?

 

[Amandakeen83]

50g breeder is one long round white bulb and 37g is white LEDs

 

[ScotJudd]

I hope this doesn't sound rude but algae is quite natural and the amount of algae in the photos would enhance a naturally decorated tank with natural wood/stone and real plants. It only becomes apparent in a tank with totally un-natural decor.
Breaking down a tank will never solve algae problems if the cause is reproduced in the resetting up of the tank. You need to identify the cause of the algae, which could be lighting, nutrients or over feeding. Real plants are a great help as they out eat the algae and keep it in check.


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[Mar23]

I had an even worse problem with algae in my daughter's tank. I added 10 little MTS and ALL the algae was gone from every surface in 5 days!


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[ImACoolguy]

How often do you do water changes?

I would max the lights at 8 hours a day.

Algae, while unsightly, can actually be good for a tank if kept under control.

Overfeeding is also a common way to spur some algae.


Caleb