Green spot algae

[Friendly]

My 5g has almost been completely over run by green spot algae . I do manage to scrap some it off, but there's hard to reach places that I just can't get to. I was wondering if there is a type of algae eater that eats green spot algae. I got amano shrimps in there but they barely take any of it off.

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Nothing that I can think of for a 5Gal. perhaps a couple snails?

 

[Friendly]

Not even a SAE, or perhaps a small pleco? I would obviously look for a very small (baby) pleco. I would have the pleco eat all the algae and once it's a bit bigger, I will then move it into my 90g.

 

[Devilishturtles]

I don't even think snails will be able to get it off, my razor blade has a hard time.

That said, is the area hard to reach because you can't get your hand in there? Perhaps an algae scraper with a handle would be a worthwhile investment for you.

 

[Friendly]

I don't even think snails will be able to get it off, my razor blade has a hard time.

That said, is the area hard to reach because you can't get your hand in there? Perhaps an algae scraper with a handle would be a worthwhile investment for you.

Yeah I guess, but I think the main reason I even have green spot algae is because I have way too much light in the tank (even with a think layer of duck weed at the top). I'm buying new lighting that's not so powerful. An 18watt would be perfect because I have plants in there. Right now I'm using the only thing I have, which is a 40 watt fluorescent that came with my 35g. I don't use it on my 35 because I have no plants in it and it's kinda close to my window so it gets more then enough light. Once I get new lighting for the 5g, I'll put the 40 watt back on my 35g.

So will a pleco or a SAE eat green spot algae?

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

SAE won't. a BN pleco may, but I don't know if it will be that noticable. I get green spot on the lower 2/3 of my tank (light strongest there).. I also have a 13.5" Sailfin and he can't keep it all off.. perhaps a clown pleco would fair well, but pleco's, even the smallest ones would overload that tank. a 3" pleco poops as much as 9" of fish.. the only ones that are worse are goldfish.

 

[Apocalypse_Gold]

Your best option is (borrowing from malkore) Sharpus razorius - the common single edge razor blade. My brother uses a credit card (hey, a use for those junk mail ones you get!) Rubbernose plecos may work also. They scrape harder than just about anything else.

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

I use a Magfloat, it works wonders, and little to no elbow grease.

 

[Friendly]

I use a Magfloat, it works wonders, and little to no elbow grease.

Magfloat eh? Damn, I should have thought of that a while ago. How much did you pay for yours?

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

came free with a whisper filter. I never would have thought to buy one.

 

[rich311k]

http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19055;category_id=2283

I love mine. It takes off green spot just takes little time.

 

[Friendly]

came free with a whisper filter. I never would have thought to buy one.

Oh I see, well if you recommend it then I think I'll buy a small one to get rid of the spot algae.

Thanks a lot for the responses!

 

[Friendly]

http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19055;category_id=2283

I love mine. It takes off green spot just takes little time.

Good to hear! I must get my hands on one