I had a problem with algae and tried a few of the algae elimination products
which did not work, plus I do not want to add too many chemicals to tanks. I
added various plants to tank usually the plants will root and the algae has
disappeared. I add more plants as they are eaten by inhabitants. I have
plecos and kuhlai loaches plus have had algae eaters to control algae but
after I added plants the problem was solved. The tank light is on for at
least 12-14 hours a day. 29 gal tank 2plecos 2 small frogs 3 giant danios 3
kuhlia loaches 1 silverdollar 2 small unknowns and 1 redtail catfish or
shark .
JBS

"Alan Silver"
wrote in
message ...
Hello,

I am in the process of researching for a new tank (Malawi cichlids) and
want to get it right from the start. One thing that bothers me is algae.
I have a well-planted tropical tank which does not have too much
trouble, but that's mainly 'cos I fertilise it and inject CO2. This new
tank won't have any of that, but I still want to make sure I don't get
the old green plague.

Tank parameters :-

*) 220 litre, 24" cube tank

*) water will probably be around pH8 and hard (basically I have soft
neutral water out of the tap, but am going to use a crushed coral
substrate)

*) Lighting unknown as yet, but will not be huge. Most cichlid tanks
seem to have a blue light and a white light. I assume the white is a
normal tube, but no idea yet what the blue one is, nor if it contributes
to the light for plants/algae. Due to the shape of the tank, lighting
will probably be two 18" or 24" tubes.

*) A few tough plants, such as Java Fern, Anubias, etc. Basically
limited to the ones that Tropica's site said are safe for veggie fish.

*) Water changes will be 10% twice per week.

Any tips for how to keep such a tank algae free ? I'm particularly
bothered about the plants as Tropica's site mentioned that Anubias (in
particular) are slow growing and so more likely to get algae as the
leaves hang around for longer. I know the last time I kept one I had
very great difficulty keeping the leaves clean.

Thanx for any help

--
Alan Silver