The system at my buddy Saqib's apartment is doing well. Saqib was away for a week for work, so a roommate was feeding the fish. We think that he overfed our tilapia, Zeus, because the water is filled with brown algae. I've read online that this algae is not really caused by sunlight, but rather by overfeeding the fish. High nitrates also lead to this type of algae. We'll be feeding Zeus less from now on, and I plan to clean out the filter to make sure everything is nice and healthy.
Saqib added some small lights to the system, and the plants look to be doing well. We'll get those lights up on chains soon. In another 2 weeks, we'll be switching to some ornamental fish for the tank, and at that point we'll clean the tank and hang the lights. Hopefully, that will help keep the algae in control, and help with the veggie growth.
Saqib added some small lights to the system, and the plants look to be doing well. We'll get those lights up on chains soon. In another 2 weeks, we'll be switching to some ornamental fish for the tank, and at that point we'll clean the tank and hang the lights. Hopefully, that will help keep the algae in control, and help with the veggie growth.
hey dirk, have you thought about putting some sort of cover on the back side of the tank that is facing the window? that can help reduce the algae and keep your temperature more constant in the tank. cheap solution would be a black trash bag or you could get an aquarium back drop at pet store. what type of fish are you planning on switching to?
ReplyDeleteI actually did just put a black bedsheet from goodwill around the window-side of the frame to block that sunlight and help discourage the algae. Thanks for the suggestion! I'm not sure what fish we're planning on putting in yet, my friend has a few he's considering, but it's in his bedroom so I'll let him decide.
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