Has Anybody Ever Used This Stuff?

[Puffdaddy]

I am on the hunt for ways to control algae (especially in brackish tanks) and came across this stuff. The stuff is called
Authentic Scottish Barley Straw. Has anybody ever used this? How well does it work? Are there any side effects?

 

[cooky]

I know people use it on ponds and lakes to draw the algae out

http/www.azgardens.com/aquarium_chemicals.php

 

[Puffdaddy]

Ya that is one of the sites I have looked through. Most of the other sites I have searched also talk about using it in ponds and reservoirs. I would like to speak with someone who has used it the home aquarium. I am thinking of buying some and using it in my GSP tank. Some other the questions I have are. Can it be used in brackish water? Does it effect PH? Does it give off any undesirable odors?

 

[WILDER]

Heard of barley straw in ponds my dad uses it.
http/www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/algae/algcont.shtml

 

[cheesy feet]

We use it in our water fall pods .I'm afraid we can't get enough for a 12000 gallon pond For aquarum use i would say it's a bit uneccesary,it only cleans the water.

 

[rdd1952]

I tried it in my pond for about 6 months but it couldn't really tell that it did much good. Still had the green water and lots of algae which is to be expected for a pond in direct sunlight most all day.

 

[andywg]

A recall reading a scientific paper which found that the straw was at best doing almost nothing, and in some cases was promoting the growth of algae. Indeed, this document sets out the position that many types of algae are not effected, while some may be. Pretty much a hit or miss treatment which could even be a placebo.

I wouldn't want to introduce something to effectively have it break down in my tank. There really is almost no chance of controlling algae in a brackish tank without resorting to upping the salinity and looking towards hardy marine clean up crew.

Besides, most brackish tanks look far more natural and better with algae, just scrape the front glass from time to time.