Several algae questions?

Question

i have alittle bit of algae growing on my tank recently, and my otos were not eating the algae, and yes, it is a type of algae that is supposed to be eaten by them, its not string or brown algae. anyways, a previous yahoo answerer told me to stop supplying my otos with veggies so they eat the algae. this isnt really working. i keep my lights only between six and eight hrs a day, because i have a heavily planted tank also. the tank is not in direct sunlight, and i do weekly 25% water changes. so i do not know what is causing the algae, or why my otos dont eat it.

i do not like the algae growing on the glass, but i like the look of the algae on the rocks (very green :) ) will leaving the algae on the rocks be okay for my fish?

so here are my questions:

is algae harmful?

why dont my otos eat the algae, but eat veggies without hesitating? ive stopped feeding them the veggies for two weeks but they wont eat the algae still...

and lastly what is causing the algae? i have never had a algae problem before and i have not changed anything in the tank. (ie no new fish or plants etc)

thank you!

Answer 1

Algae can come from a few places.  From lighting, nitrates, phosphorus etc. in combination with warmer temperatures  Otos can eat algae but prefer veggies and may have been nibbling on your plants instead.

No algae isn't harmful it is actually a sign of a healthy tank.  When was the last time you did maintenance on your plants?  rotting roots can lead to higher nitrates in the tank.  What is it testing at?

I would just scrape it off the glass for now and as was mentioned keep feeding your oto's veggies.

Answer 2

Algae can be harmful to certain plants but shouldn't be a problem to fish or your tank if kept under control.

They might not be eating it because they are used to eating veggies. i have a spiny eel and he will not eat anything else apart from bloodworm or earthworms.

my advice is to carry on feeding them veggies.

the algae is most probley there because of the amount of plants you say you have, but needless to say algae will form in any tank even if it is just a tank with no gravel, decor or live stock. granted it will take longer to form.

removing some of your plants will slow down the process of algae groth, also cleaning the algae of the front glass will help.

it really depends on how bad the algae has taken hold in your tank?

here is my msn addy i will be able to give you more help...

[e-mail] please add me and il help you out :-)

cheers