Algae on the back glass

[GoPitt88]

So do most people let algae grow on the back glass? I have some coralline algae growing, but most of the back glass gets covered by a greenish brownish algae. Is that OK? Can I see some pics of your back glass so I can compare to mine? Here are a couple pics of mine [emoji16]

 

[GoPitt88]

Anybody?

 

[cracker]

I have it also don't think it's bad for the tank but looks bad for sure.

 

[Roy 9121]

If you cover or paint the back glass, you may not get the algae growth. That's what I did, and it worked for me.

 

[Maritimer]

Back glass (and _only_ the back glass!) is covered in hair algae. Tang snacks. Parrotfish snacks. Nitrate sink. I hardly notice it, unless I'm looking for it, or there's a bit floating loose in the tank.

~Bruce

 

[GoPitt88]

If you cover or paint the back glass, you may not get the algae growth. That's what I did, and it worked for me.

Why does covering the back glass (from the outside, I’m assuming) reduce the algae? It still gets the same lighting, etc.

 

[Roy 9121]

Why does covering the back glass (from the outside, I’m assuming) reduce the algae? It still gets the same lighting, etc.

It stops the outside light from getting into your tank. I don't know, but it worked for me. Also, what kind of lighting are you using? How long are you running them?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I call the back glass my snail feeder.

 

[PiscesPower]

I don't get much algae, but I always leave the back glass alone for critters to nibble on. I'm not sure but the bubbles on the algae may be concerning for something more sinister, perhaps dinoflagellates? I would ask in the algae forums.

 

[OREGONIC]

I keep the front and sides clean the snails keep the back pretty clean. I scrape it every few months if it starts to get to bad.

 

[PiscesPower]

I keep the front and sides clean the snails keep the back pretty clean. I scrape it every few months if it starts to get to bad.

That's what I do as well.

 

[Roy 9121]

I agree, I don't usually worry about the back glass. I covered mine because I didn't like seeing the wall behind my tank, and the wires. But when I covered it, the algae stopped growing on the back glass.