Newbie with algae

[Squashedegg]

Hi, my daughter has had an aquarium for nearly a year but it got overcrowded so we got a bigger tank 2 months ago. We ran it with no fish and cycled it and did everything right and added the fish from small tank about 3 weeks ago. Everything was fine but now we have snails - about 10 and algae - not sure what type (can't see how to add a photo!!). A danio died yesterday too. Nitrates , etc all fine. We have a 64litre tank, in it are only plastic plants and some decks for fish to hide , no real plants. We now have 2 danios , 2 female platies, 1 male platy and 2 baby platies that survived without extra help!!!
Any suggestions ? Should I get real plants, an algae eating fish? Turn off aquarium light?

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Welcome to AA!

How long do yo run your light for?

 

[Convict2161]

Welcome to the forum!! You may wanna start a thread in the freshwater section so you can get more views and help.

 

[Squashedegg]

The tank is to the side of a window so no direct sunlight . The light is on from about 7 in morning until about 9 at night. In the summer a lot of light gets in the room but at the moment without the light on the room is dull because of the weather .

 

[Squashedegg]

Thanks , I will start new thread too. ?

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Cut your lights down to 6-8 hours. How does the water test?

 

[Squashedegg]

Water test is fine for everything , and fish are all ok . I'll try cutting down light - feel bad for fish though - stupid I know !!! Thanks .