Algae problem!

[gboutwel]

Hey,

In a 10 Gallon Tank, with 2 Fan-Tailed Goldfish and a few snails. We seem to be having a problem with Algae. Is there some bottom feeder or something else that we can add to the tank to help with the Algae. Is the Algae much of a problem for the fish. It's bad enough that even after cleaning the glass on the inside of the tank fairly good, less than a week later it's covered really bad again.

 

[rocky_2197]

Did you ever think about adding a few live plants in the tank. I had 10 gal tank growing up that had an algae problem My dad added some live plants and in a couple of week the problem with the algae subsided. This is just a suggestion and good luck in fixing your problem.

 

[Allivymar]

If you do consider live plants George, be aware most don't do well with goldfish; goldfish are more vegetarian then carnivore and are well known for tearing and digging up plants. I think Java ferns and Java moss (and one other whos name escapes me) are the few goldfish will leave well enough alone.

 

[shawmutt]

Something that grows that fast and covers your glass--sounds like cyanobacteria. Is it blue-green slimy stuff that comes off in sheets and smells funky?

If it is cyano, you will need to either clean and do water changes frequently or do what I did and put an antibiotic in the tank to kill the stuff. I used erythromycin, and it worked really well. Check the stuff and let me know if it's cyano or not.

 

[TankGirl]

Increase water changes and decrease lighting duration. Also watch those goldfish as they will soon outgrow that 10-gal. They produce a lot of waste, which contributes to the nitrate waste that algae thrives upon.

 

[Andydg]

Also try to keep the tank from sunlight.