Does anyone use algae remover

[DogFish]

I have a 10 gallon divided, and I have trouble with algae in it. I have tried live plants to compete with the algae, but there isn't enough lighting for them. I change the water frequently and scrub the algae out but it just grows back.
I want to take the dead real plants out and put silks back in.
I was thinking about using some chemical algae remover 'jungle algae gone' or other types.
Does anyone use this kind of stuff?
I thought about putting some otos in, but then I would have to catch them and move them from section to section, and that would probably stress them too much.
Not to mention that Flame had to be removed from a tank with companions because he was so nasty to them.

 

[juliethegr8t]

What are your dividers like, and how many are there? If they're not permanant, you could always just lift them to move ottos. Personally, I think that's your best bet. It's always best to avoid chemicals unless absolutely necessary. I'd just jar the betta for a minute, lift the divider, herd the ottos over, and let the betta back in. Viola.

 

[shrks1fan]

I absolutely would not use chemicals to get rid of algae, you're only asking for trouble when you mess with stuff like that. They're not as safe as the chemical companies claim they are.

Linda

 

[squeeker]

Most of the time, the algae removers also remove oxygen from the water. I have seen it added to a tank, and within minutes, the fish are all at the surface, gasping for air. It's pretty sad, and not so safe.

Edit: Why not one otto for each section? Unless you've got it divided in 6, or something, but 2 or 3 would be fine, IMO.

 

[DogFish]

Thank you! I definitely won't use chemicals then.
The dividers are fairly permanent, they are made to go right up to the lip around the top of the tank, and were a pain to put in.
So I guess I'll try an oto in each section, but that just seems so cruel to the otos. Maybe I'll put 2 in each so they can have a friend-hmmm I guess thats too many inches of fish. Ok nuff rambling.
I'll put lots of silk plants back in so that they have places to hide from the nasty bettas.

 

[GuppyDude]

id just buy a few ottos, dont use alge killer, thst is some wicked stuff right there, i have had bad experiances with it

 

[Sorrell]

Aside from the stress on the fish with the algae destroyers, I'll add that they don't even work IME I tried adding it to tanks with algae, tanks that had just been sterilized, everything with absolutely no results

 

[Phantom Thief]

Actually, i think you'll be able to get off with 2 otos in each section, mainly because otos are really small bioloads, because of their size and diet.

P.T.

 

[Oogiesbettas]

I would not personally add otos. They are fairly delicate fish and the bettas will harass them. (This of course, is my own experience with both male and female bettas) However, I have had good luck with Giant Columbian Ramshorn Snails as far as algae control goes...The bettas don't seem to mind the snail and the snail doesn't bother the betta....Here is a pic of my betta Doofus with his buddy Cornelius the giant ramshorn snail...Oh, and this variety of snail doesn't mass produce...I bought it from Aquariumfish.net...

 

[DogFish]

OOgiesBettas: Now that is interesting, I hadn't thought about snails. I will look into the various species.
I do know that otos are delicate, I have several in my planted tank and have lost a couple over the year (or they are reeeeally good at hiding).
And Flame used to harass the cories, I imagine he would bug the otos too.
So off I go to google snail varieties!