My tank is overrun with algae and green yuck-type water!! I've replaced 1/2 the water, cleaned the filter. My next step (?) dump and start over?? I'm at a loss, never had this happen before, need help, can't see the fish to see if they are even still swimming!!!
need advice
- Thread starter Nanchip1
- Start date
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Devilishturtles
Aquarium Advice Addict
Don't dump and start over, that's a bad idea. For starters how big is your tank and when was the last time you did a complete change? ie:gravel vaccuum and water change? Algae, is short terms is usually caused by an over-abundance of nutrients, which can be caused by things such as:leaving your light on too long, not having adequate filtration, an overcrowded tank, over-feeding, and some other things. Your green water is probably suspended algae which occurs basically from what I listed above plus inadequate filtration.
So the first thing that I would do is to do a complete water change, about 50%-75% with gravel vaccuum if you don't already do so, and scrub the algae. Depending on the size of your tank, you can get a pleco, which will ususally keep it free of algae, however if your tank is small, go with a smaller species. Keep up on your weekly or bi-weekly water changes and you shouldn't have a problem. HTH
So the first thing that I would do is to do a complete water change, about 50%-75% with gravel vaccuum if you don't already do so, and scrub the algae. Depending on the size of your tank, you can get a pleco, which will ususally keep it free of algae, however if your tank is small, go with a smaller species. Keep up on your weekly or bi-weekly water changes and you shouldn't have a problem. HTH
Dark Whispers
Aquarium Advice Newbie
Don't forget to try and stop it from coming back. Algae needs two things to live, light and nutrients. Limit one or both and the problem should diminish. Usually it's easier to cut back on the amount of food and as the previous poster mentions, step up the maintenance a bit. You may want to consider leaving the light off for a few days, too. Is the tank getting a lot of natural light? I have covered the side glass on tanks with green water and it made a huge difference.
Be patient, this won't go away too quickly. Something triggered the sudden bloom and it will have to run it's course. Following the advice here should speed that up.
Be patient, this won't go away too quickly. Something triggered the sudden bloom and it will have to run it's course. Following the advice here should speed that up.
Menagerie
Aquarium Advice Addict
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Welcome to AA, Nanchip1! 
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I agree with most of what Devilish said, except over 50% water change is stressful on the fish. The only time it is neccessary to even do a 50% change is if your ammonia and/or nitrites are too high.
Please post your water parameters including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and temp. It would also be helpful to have tank size, filter type, how many fish are in there and what types.
Welcome to AA, Nanchip1! [/center:f00c16950b]I agree with most of what Devilish said, except over 50% water change is stressful on the fish. The only time it is neccessary to even do a 50% change is if your ammonia and/or nitrites are too high.
Please post your water parameters including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and temp. It would also be helpful to have tank size, filter type, how many fish are in there and what types.
