does anyone know how to control algae ?

[dan dan the fish man]

i have recently changed tanks from my 2 1/2 foot to my 4 foot tank in my smaller tank i had an algae infestation i tryed to control it using a product called algae fix should i use this to wipe out the remaining algae or will it harm my plants and fish ?

 

[The-Wolf]

I dunno about chemical solutions but frequent water changes, like 20% daily and reducing the light will clear algea probs. There is also available from juwel aquariums a nitrate sponge that goes in filters which absorbs the nirates that algea need to grow.

 

[Guppylover]

I don't think it should... does it say anything on the label?
I you can't use it with you tank mabye get some algae eaters and you could just scrub!

 

[Jae1525]

First off I dont think using chemicals is ever a good idea unless you can help it.
Its our job to recreate our fishes natural environment as best we can so chemicals should always be a last resort.

Being a bit of an invertabrate fan I would advise you to buy some Japonica Amano Shrimp! They love Algae and are well known for helping to get rid of it!
Also Apple snails will help get rid of the algae 2 and their is no need to worry about snail infestation with them either cos they are either male or female! They grow to 3.5 inches and I would only ever get one just in case they breed!
Do you have any plec catfish? If not then this species will help out with the problem 2! Make sure you research you plecs well and find a species that will not end up to big for your tank...

This link should help you out in choosing you fish as it contains lots of info on possible new tankmates including shrimp, snails and plecs!
And as always make sure the fish are not going to munch on your new arrivals!

LiveAquaria.com

 

[dan dan the fish man]

there has been no algae growth at all since we have changed from the 2 1/2 tank to the 4 foot tank.

we have reduced feeding to 1 block of blood worms and 2 pinches of dry food per day.

the existing algae on the anubias and crypts has been dieing down.

will it continue to die off ?

we have 3 apple snails
2 bristle nose plecos
1 20cm sailfine pleco

no3 1ppm
p04 0.25ppm
ph 7.0

 

[Jae1525]

It could just be regrouping! I suppose in a larger tank it would take longer to develope esp after a substancial water change.

How long do you expose your tank to light? No more than 11 hours a day is a good rule for planted tanks. Anymore than that will stimulate the algae growth more and more.
Allot of direct sunlight never helps either!

 

[lucky62]

there has been no algae growth at all since we have changed from the 2 1/2 tank to the 4 foot tank.

we have reduced feeding to 1 block of blood worms and 2 pinches of dry food per day.

the existing algae on the anubias and crypts has been dieing down.

will it continue to die off ?

we have 3 apple snails
2 bristle nose plecos
1 20cm sailfine pleco

no3 1ppm
p04 0.25ppm
ph 7.0

you may want tro get a small group of otos for your tank , of everything I've tried these guys and stepping up water changes work the best .

 

[cation]

I don't use a lot of chemicals oin my tank, but I had a green water prob that was quite persistant. One treatment of AlgaeFix cleared it up, and it's never come back. Obviously, you need to address the underlying problem so it doesn't come back, but for clearing up the tank, Algae fix is great. You can use it with fish, live plants - it did not affect my biological filter. However, you cannot use it with inverts.

If your algae is not of the "green water" variety, I do not believe that AlgaeFix will be effectivew, though.