theoutdoorsykid
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Went away for two weeks, and when I came back - slime algae EVERYWHERE (Some house-sitter)! Removed and washed broad leaf plants. Peeled slime off glass with razor. Scooped up top layer of rocks. Sucked slime up off grasses. Changed out 30% of water right away. Now changing 10% (3 of 29) of water every other day and sucking up any slime algae I can with the hose each time. Water quality is now great and aquarium looks good, but will that do it? I want to avoid medication if possible, especially with snail and shrimp. Am I best to put shrimp and snail in a separate tank and use chemicals? Also, should I resume plant supplements (excel, iron, potassium, trace) or will that just boost algae? Reduce light? What do you think?
I have a 29 gallon planted tank with 60 gallon HOB filter and 6in airstone. 6 Harlequin Rasboras, 3 Roseline Sharks, 3 Silver Hatchetfish, 2 Black Ruby Barbs, 3 Ottos, 2 Cory Sterbaii, 5 Amano Shrimp, 1 Cherry Shrimp, 2 Orange Bee Shrimp, 1 Zebra Nerite Snail. Stocked - yes. But peaceful and no water quality problems for over a year. Large HOB, water changes, and plants do good job of keeping quality high (except when housesitter overfeeds, neglects, and doesn't change any water).
Tank today:
I have a 29 gallon planted tank with 60 gallon HOB filter and 6in airstone. 6 Harlequin Rasboras, 3 Roseline Sharks, 3 Silver Hatchetfish, 2 Black Ruby Barbs, 3 Ottos, 2 Cory Sterbaii, 5 Amano Shrimp, 1 Cherry Shrimp, 2 Orange Bee Shrimp, 1 Zebra Nerite Snail. Stocked - yes. But peaceful and no water quality problems for over a year. Large HOB, water changes, and plants do good job of keeping quality high (except when housesitter overfeeds, neglects, and doesn't change any water).
Tank today: