How much algae is too much?

[sciencegirl]

I've just started to stock my 10 g tank - last night I got 6 neon tetras (the tank had already cycled). I've noticed that there is a bit of algae growing on one of my decorative rocks, and it's just on the section that is closest to the light. I have live plants in there, and so far there's no algae on the aquarium sides. Is it bad to have any algae? It doesn't seem out of control (yet)...should I be concerned?

I really don't know if a healthy system should have any algae in it at all. If it's a prolbem, can I just physically scrape it off? I don't want to buy an algae eater, because of the size of my tank and the agressive nature of the algae eaters- I'm sort of holding out for a couple of little cories instead. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Menagerie]

Algae is a normal part of any tank. To lessen it, check your nitrate levels, do not overfeed the fish (once a day max) and vacuum the gravel weekly.

If you can find a pitbull pleco (2-3"), that would be perfect for your tank and you could still have cories.