Thick smeary algae

Question
I've got an established 66 gallon tank -- very well planted.

Recently, I'm having a breakout of thick smeary green algae.

What should I do to get rid of it?

Answer
Dear Ryan,
Thanks for your letter. With all the plants, you probably do not have to feed your fish very much. Maybe you are over feeding. Also, perhaps there are some plants that are dying. Too much food and deteriorating plants could have caused the algae. I suggest you look through the plants and get rid of any that are deterioriating. Stop all feeding for 24 hours and then enforce a very strict diet. Use a sponge to remove as much algae as possible. Keep removing the algae until it goes away.
I do not recommend using chemical remedies to kill the algae. Just starve it out by removing unhealthy plants and reduce food. Also, reduce the hours of light in the tank until the algae problem goes away.
I hope this helps.
My page for aquarium care is posted here:
http://steamboats.com/aquarium.html
Sincerely,
Nori