Need to do blackout

[Hyrules]

I have a big black / brown algae problem and need to do a blackout. Is there anything special i need to know or do beside wraping my tank in Black garbage bags ? I have a pleco which will need to be feed with spirulina while i do the blackout. Otherwise i have 2 kissing gouramis and 1 red dwarf gourami. How many days should i black out ?

thanks.

 

[tropicalfish]

Don't feed the fish during the blackout. Usually fish can last at least one week without food, but don't starve them too long!

 

[majolo]

I haven't done a blackout, but most garbage bags are not really very opaque. Try looking at a light through the bag, and I bet you'll see. I would use aluminum foil if I was trying it.

 

[BrianNY]

A black out is effective for BGA only. Other algaes will reappear once the blackout is lifted. Best to address the cause. Too much light or nutrients (such as phosphates), is likely the cause.

 

[Hyrules]

I will need to show you the algae i`m talking about. But Ok there might be too much light. Otherwise phosphate i dont know.