Algae?

[Le Sorcier]

I've got a large flat stone in my tank on which algae seems to grow very quickly. Should I remove it or just let it stay there?

Thanks

 

[Terriann]

I've got a large flat stone in my tank on which algae seems to grow very quickly. Should I remove it or just let it stay there?

Thanks

Hi

I am only a newbee, and I am sure that you can get better advice. Algae as far as I am aware isn't harmless, in fact a lot of fish eat it! It can however get out of hand and very messy, your lfs should be able to sell you something to keep it at bay, alternatively maybe you could look at some algae eaters, be careful if you go for plecs as they get quite long, I hear bristle noses don't get big, mollies will also help as will albino shark (can get territorial though) and even my kribs have been seen nibbling on my bogwood, I am sure there are many many more!

Tan

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Algae is a natural product that forms in your tanks when certain parameters are met. Its fine in small doses with the fish grazing on it but if it becomes very excessive then the reasons for this should be investigated. Too much light including sunlight is the main problem i find, with a shortening of time that the lights being on making a difference. I used a light once with no red in its spectrum and this stopped almost all my algae. Dont use a chemical to kill excessive algae though,prevention is always better than curing. Rotting food too also promotes algae growth too.

 

[Le Sorcier]

Thanks,

Don't see it as much of a problem. Not much algae elsewhere (apart from on the glass if left for a couple of weeks). There is none on my bogwood/other rocks, its only this flat stone.

Shall I keep it or ditch it?

 

[altselgreen]

Well, fish eat algae. Its part of their natural diet. So if its not that much, leave it, they should munch on it a bit. I have some platties that clear up the algae perfectly. I don't know if all platties do this, but mine do.

 

[Cutlass]

Keep it. Get yourself a couple of algae grazers and it won't cause any problems.

 

[jameshiggins]

i had a algae problem a while back i brought sum anti algae and a couple of bristle nose catfish problem solved, wicked fish aswell!