Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!

Beginner here- algae in tank, advice please

Twirly

New member
Joined
May 10, 2012
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Location
London, England
Hi,
My daughter has had an axolotl for just over a month now. We set the tank up as recommended by the aquatic store, and they tested all levels before we took the axolotl home.
We have been doing 50% water changes every week, and all levels (Ph, oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) are spot on, but algae is growing as soon as we clean it.
Is this harmful? How can we get rid of it? The tank is not in direct sunlight, and the filter is on low, to minimise water flow, as we were told that axolotl's prefer still water.
Many thanks in advance.
 

Chirple

New member
Joined
Nov 8, 2011
Messages
319
Reaction score
11
Location
Michigan
Unless your tank is not cycled, I would cut back to 20% water changes.

It's not harmful. If you want to get rid of it, you can blow it off whatever it's growing on with a turkey baster or you can try live plants (if you don't already have them) and a plant fertilizer - that way the plants will out-compete the algae.

Depends on the type of algae you have, too.
 

Coastal Groovin

Active member
Joined
Nov 17, 2008
Messages
923
Reaction score
46
Location
USA
Bright Green algae is good. It adds oxygen to the water and helps absorb waste. I never remove it from the back and sides of my tanks. I agree with Chirple, cut down the water changes to 20%. 50% water changes can stress your axies due to fast changes in water temp and ph. The best way to stop the algae is to just limit the light to when you are actually looking at them. Axies don't like light anyway.
 
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
    There are no messages in the chat. Be the first one to say Hi!
    Top