Page 1 of 2
Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 9:43 am
by Guard
My 75 gallon Discus tank's got algae blooming like crazy, green stuff all over the glass and decor. Running a Fluval 407, weekly 50% water changes, lights on 8 hours a day. Tried reducing light to 6 hours, no luck. What's the move here?
Re: Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 10:36 am
by jiffix
Yo, algae's a pain, but you gotta cut the light more, like 4 hours max. Also, check your nitrates, bro. If they're high, that's feeding the algae. Maybe throw in some nerite snails, they're chill and munch on that green gunk.
Re: Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 11:54 am
by Honey
Algae blooms often tie to excess nutrients. What's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can spike nitrates. I'd test params, aim for <10ppm nitrates. Also, consider floating plants like frogbit to outcompete algae for nutrients. They've worked wonders in my 90g.
Re: Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:33 pm
by guppy
Honey wrote: ↑Sat Aug 16, 2025 11:54 am
Algae blooms often tie to excess nutrients. What's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can spike nitrates. I'd test params, aim for <10ppm nitrates. Also, consider floating plants like frogbit to outcompete algae for nutrients. They've worked wonders in my 90g.
Solid advice. I'd add that a UV sterilizer can help too. Cleared my algae issue in two weeks. Just make sure it's sized right for your tank.
Re: Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 2:02 pm
by Wind
Man, I feel you. My 55g was a green mess until I dialed back the light and added more plants. Java fern and anubias are low-light champs. Also, how old are your bulbs? Older ones can shift spectrum and encourage algae.
Re: Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 3:18 pm
by Riseup
Aight, so less light, more plants, check nitrates. Got it. But what about algae eaters? Heard otos are good, but my Discus might mess with them. Any experience?
Re: Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 3:48 pm
by oizeT
Otos are tiny, might get bullied. Try bristlenose plecos instead, they're tougher. Just don't get a common pleco, those dudes grow huge and wreck plants.
Re: Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 5:46 pm
by Magus
oizeT wrote: ↑Sat Aug 16, 2025 3:48 pm
Otos are tiny, might get bullied. Try bristlenose plecos instead, they're tougher. Just don't get a common pleco, those dudes grow huge and wreck plants.
Bristlenose are solid, but they're poop machines. If you go that route, up your water changes. Also, ever tried blacking out the tank for 3 days? Kills algae fast, just keep an eye on oxygen levels.
Re: Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 6:40 pm
by subway
Algae's about balance. Light, nutrients, and CO2. If you're not running CO2, reduce light and nutrients. If you are, adjust the ratio. Test your phosphate too—high PO4 with low NO3 can cause blooms. API kits are cheap and reliable.
Re: Discus tank algae control tips
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 8:38 pm
by mrFluffy
My tank's got the same vibe. Tried everything, even the blackout. Then I switched to RO water and bam, algae slowed way down. Maybe your tap's got something funky in it?