Hello,

I have recently set up a 220 litre Malawi Cichlid tank (see Mark 3 tank
in web site for details and pictures). Due the highly veggie nature of
these fish, I didn't put much plant matter in. I added some Java Moss
from my other tank in the hope that it would grow faster than they could
eat it.

Well, the Java Moss is holding its own, but there is a strong growth of
dark green algae on the background and a light covering on the glass.
Also, I have small amounts of that nasty green slimy stuff growing on
the gravel.

The tank is quite deep, 24", which may contribute. I have two 18" tubes
on it, one white and one blue (stupid me forgot to note the make and
type, but they are pretty standard ones), along with one small desk lamp
which gives a nice rippling effect from the surface movement.

The tank is actually darker than I would like, but I am reluctant to
increase the lighting as this would (presumably) cause an algae
explosion. This is the first non-planted tank I have had, so I have no
real idea how to combat algae without resorting to chemicals, which I
don't want to do.

So, if anyone has any suggestions of a clean, long-term plan for keeping
the tank well lit, without encouraging algae I would be very grateful.

TIA

--
Alan Silver
PSG Fish Tanks - http://fish.alansilver.co.uk/