Assistance needed! Habitat issue!

[MidgetD]

A few weeks ago I purchased two Japanese Fire Bellied newts, after cleaning the tank 3 days ago, I noticed a green mass growing on a rock. This green mass has spread to my filter, and to the heated end of my heater. It is also growing on the large river rocks at the bottom of my tank. What could it be? Algae? Fungal growth?

Should I move my male and female newt to the other tank I have set up? The water is colder, however, I could just move my lamp over to that tank to warm the water a bit. I fear that this growth may affect my newts and harm them. They seem okay, if not a little innactive, I fear for them, however they are on the opposite end of the tank. Would moving them and then bleaching the other tank be the best option, I don't want them to die, the one just started to grow her leg back!

Please, any help would be appreciated.

[Jan]

First - what is your water temperature? There is rarely a need to heat water - temps should range from 58F to <70F. Have you seen this care sheet:

Caudata Culture Species Entry - Cynops pyrrhogaster - Japanese firebelly

Chinese fire-bellied are often labeled and sold as Japanese fire-bellied, here is the care sheet for this species as well:

Caudata Culture Species Entry - Cynops orientalis - Chinese firebelly

[Kaysie]

If you're using a bright light, it could be algae.

[MidgetD]

I believe it is Algae, and yes, I am sure that they are Japanese fire bellied newts, they were larger than the Chinese Fire-bellied newts being held in captivity there. I also cross checked my newts with several pictures to make sure. The algae is spreading, and I decided to move my newts to the other tank now, it is roughly 64 degrees in that tank. The Newts didn't seem bothered by the algae, but one was... Trying to eat it... Though that may be because a cricket was sitting on top of it. Should I just drain the tank and let the algae die?

[Eva]

Don't drain the tank, just see if you can manually remove some of the algae. The algae would probably just re-appear anyway, I don't think there is a way to completely eliminate it.

Algae will appear in most tanks, it's just natural. Most aren't harmful, more of a pain for the aquarist.
Have a look at this website Algae in the Planted Aquarium-- Guitarfish , it will give you some idea about causes and what to do to get rid of it. If you can identify the type of algae you have you can google for more information.
Adding some fast growing plants might help, it will also make the algae less visible.

[MidgetD]

I cannot identify the algae, my newt is just sleeping on a rock with it... Will removing the light get rid of the algae? Oh, and I don't mind it growing, as long as it doesn't clog my filter or harm my newts.

[Jan]

Originally Posted by MidgetD

Will removing the light get rid of the algae?

It may well help.

[Dana]

In most cases, removing the light will definitely hinder the algae's growth.

[MidgetD]

Removed the light, the algae growth has come to a halt, and it has already started to thin and recede. The Newts also seem to be enjoying it, as they are now swimming around more freely, and nibbling more and more at the floating algae . Thank you Caudata!

[Eva]

I don't know if you have plants in the tank or not, but if you do, they will need some light to grow. Also...and I don't mean to spoil your celebratory mood, brown algae thrives in low light....there is always something... but good luck