cichlid-gal
New Member
So...I have about 4 unheated tanks. They are just running at room temp which ranges from about 70 degrees to 72 degrees. All of these tanks had previously been more warm water tanks (in the range of 78-79 degrees), all tanks were cycled, stocked and healthy. Since changing stock and making these tanks into cooler water tanks I'm having algae show up in some of them. Just wondering if this is something that happens more often in cooler water tanks or possibly there is something that causes it. I tried to search info on this but kinda came up empty handed as most articles on BGA indicate high nitrates or low nitrates, no flow, or excess light. I have pretty much ruled out high or low nitrates and flow issues as all tanks are well filtered. I have been monitoring the nitrates for a couple of weeks now in these tanks and they are pretty static. I have not changed foods only fish and water temps.
The algae is dark green but it is not necessarily slimy or sheeting in the tanks. It is attached to rocks (mostly seriyu stone) but also on some river rock. It appears thick and my shrimp like it so I'm uncertain about whether this 1st one is actually blue-green algae.
Water parameters in this tank are 72.1 degrees, PH 8.0, nitrates 30ppm before water changes. Water changes are 50% once a week. Lights run 9.5 hours a day.
algae on seiryu stone
The below is what is growing on the river rocks (green and some black) and showing up in the sand in that same tank. I do have a high light on that tank but I have raised it up to decrease the amount of light in the tank overall. I also have a powerhead that runs from the right side of the tank shooting down the front of the tank across that section of sand.
Water parameters in this tank are 71.6 degrees, PH 8.0, nitrates 20-30 ppm before water changes. Water changes are 50% once a week. Lights run 9.5 hours a day.
algae on river rock
sand showing green
Does anyone have any experience with algaes and cold water tanks? Or is this just a lighting issue? I have been hesitant to change the lighting schedule as I have plants in these tanks. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks.
The algae is dark green but it is not necessarily slimy or sheeting in the tanks. It is attached to rocks (mostly seriyu stone) but also on some river rock. It appears thick and my shrimp like it so I'm uncertain about whether this 1st one is actually blue-green algae.
Water parameters in this tank are 72.1 degrees, PH 8.0, nitrates 30ppm before water changes. Water changes are 50% once a week. Lights run 9.5 hours a day.
algae on seiryu stone
The below is what is growing on the river rocks (green and some black) and showing up in the sand in that same tank. I do have a high light on that tank but I have raised it up to decrease the amount of light in the tank overall. I also have a powerhead that runs from the right side of the tank shooting down the front of the tank across that section of sand.
Water parameters in this tank are 71.6 degrees, PH 8.0, nitrates 20-30 ppm before water changes. Water changes are 50% once a week. Lights run 9.5 hours a day.
algae on river rock
sand showing green
Does anyone have any experience with algaes and cold water tanks? Or is this just a lighting issue? I have been hesitant to change the lighting schedule as I have plants in these tanks. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks.