Green dot algae

[JimmyA]

Wonder why I am getting green dot algae on aquarium walls and on some plants. I have a planted tank and a rock substrate. I use root tabs, some Flourish Excel and Comprehensive. Light is 55 watt, 6500 K. It is usually on from 8 to 8, but I am starting now to cut back.

 

[librarygirl]

Hi Jimmy! Not that I'm an expert by any means, but I think 12 hours per day of light is too much. You could try to cut the lights totally for a day or so, then do a 4 hour on, 4 off, 4 on, 12 off cycle and see if that helps. Just from what I've read.

 

[JimmyA]

Thanks, Librarygirl, I wasn't sure I was going to get any responses, so yours is very helpful. I think I'll get an aquarium timer and set it to 8 hours a day and see if that helps. Would that be ok do you think?

 

[Ozydego]

From what I have heard about algae, 12 hours is what's causing it, 6-8 hours would help the algae die down but still allow your plants to thrive

 

[JimmyA]

Thank you, I'll reduce the light timing then. Have a super week!

 

[jetajockey]

Definitely agree, green spot algae seems to happen primarily with a long photoperiod. Best of luck with it, update in a few days with the results.