Algae! UNCLE!

Cycle the tank! It's been in operation for about 3 years now! The gravel
is terribly "dirty".. I'm not sure WHAT exactly all that "sludge" is... My
fish are only fed 2x per week.....but there seems to be no end to the
sludge.. I'll have to pull everything out and reset!

Also, what can I do to get the algea off the plants?? Is there some type of
water/bleach dip?


"Happy'Cam'per" wrote in message
...

If he's getting green water within days of a wc then I would say the tank
has'nt built up enough nitrifying bacteria yet. Free floating ammonia in
the
water column will always give you green water. Do a good gravel vacuum,
clean your filter and start again, this time cycle the tank first!
--
Kind Regards
Cameron

"Elaine T" wrote in message
. ..
Shagster wrote:
I'm running a UV sterilizer... That hasn't done much.. Water is
still
turning green within 3 days of a water change!

"Elaine T" wrote in message
m...

Shagster wrote:

OK.. I give up.. I've been fighting major algae problems for
MONTHS..
I'm about to tear down my tank and get out of the hobby. NOTHING is
working for me....

Are they're ANY chemical solutions that are live plant friendly??

Troy



Algaefix is supposed to be friendly to most plants and kill most algae.
YMMV. Avoid Algae Destroyer and other products containing simazine
because simazine is not friendly to bunch plants and grasses like
valisneria. http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Algae/simazine.html

A UV unit is good for unicellular suspended algae if your water is
green.

If you want other alternatives from a bunch of other algae experts (I
think I've grown and fixed all but staghorn at some time or another),
you
could post more about your tank and what you've tried. i.e. Tank size,
lighting, plants, kinds of algae, fish population, filtration, nitrate
and
phosphate levels, water change schedule... Most algae problems can be
fixed without chemicals.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com



Eek! That IS bad. I see why you're frustrated. BTW, your UV unit may
need a new bulb or slower flow rate. It really should keep the green
water at bay.

The 95% water changes are a good plan and will lower nutrients to
tapwater levels. Sort of a giant tank reset. Then you need to get
nitrate and phosphate test kits and start watching nitrates and
phosphates. Js1 gave you great links that will explain where to go from
there.

Come back and bug us for more info when you need it!

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com