dirty tank

Question
hey i have a 33 galon with 3 barbs 2 penguins, 2 bala shark, a pink gourami and a loach. I had this in my apartment for a year, only occasionally had to refill the tank, change the filter and the water always seemed clear. I have recentlly and the water is green with algea. My tank habits have not change at all just the enviroment. The tank is getting more light now...not alot but some more now. The tank has been set up for approximatly 14 months. any help...thnx....ben.

Answer
Hi Ben;

If the water itself is green it's a form of algae known as suspended or planktonic algae. Since water changes and gravel vacuumings haven't been done very often there is probably a massive amount of organic waste in the gravel providing "fertilizer" for the suspended algae particles. This is why it's important to make weekly water changes to keep the water and your fish healthy long term. In cases like these I usually recommend changing 25% of the water and vacuuming the gravel twice a week or more to get it under control as quick as possible. The green water will probably go away on it's own as a result. You could do a water change every day for a few days if you want to. Your fish will love it too. They will become brighter and have a better appetite. Just don't do more than 25% in one day so the fish don't go into shock. I hope it gets better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins