How Do I Utilize Green Algae

[hawil]

I have two separate tanks, a 20gal with 3 healthy swordtails and the other is just about 4gal for plant propagation which I placed outside.

Now, the 4gal tank has algae growth, I was thinking instead of removing them I might feed it to my swordtails. The problem is how do I utilize the algae as a supplement or some sort. Like just scrape it off and feed it directly to my swordtails? Or scrape it then dry it under the sun then feed them.

Somewhat like a DIY algae wafer.

 

[thereverendturtle]

The best would be to have rocks or wood to grow the algae on, then transfer that to the tank. As they eat it down, swap it out for another piece.

 

[hawil]

The best would be to have rocks or wood to grow the algae on, then transfer that to the tank. As they eat it down, swap it out for another piece.

Good idea, I'll do that. How about drift wood? Will the algae stick? It might fall off if I transfer it to the main tank and make a mess.
How about the algae that is already present, what can I do to them?

 

[SombreroBanana]

The best would be to have rocks or wood to grow the algae on, then transfer that to the tank. As they eat it down, swap it out for another piece.

Good idea, I'll do that. How about drift wood? Will the algae stick? It might fall off if I transfer it to the main tank and make a mess.
How about the algae that is already present, what can I do to them?

I would imagine drift wood would work. Just make sure it's small enough to fit in the tank without cramping the fish for space. You could start a very small snail/shrimp tank and put some inverts in the propagation tank when there's an algae boom. Just take the inverts out when you need more to grow.

 

[hawil]

The best would be to have rocks or wood to grow the algae on, then transfer that to the tank. As they eat it down, swap it out for another piece.

Good idea, I'll do that. How about drift wood? Will the algae stick? It might fall off if I transfer it to the main tank and make a mess.
How about the algae that is already present, what can I do to them?

I would imagine drift wood would work. Just make sure it's small enough to fit in the tank without cramping the fish for space. You could start a very small snail/shrimp tank and put some inverts in the propagation tank when there's an algae boom. Just take the inverts out when you need more to grow.

Yup! The wood is just small enough.
I tried putting shrimps in my propagation tank but they died, I think the water is dirty or something or the water was too hot from the sunlight.

I need to give this swordtails an alternative veggie because they uprooted all of my plants in the 20gal.

 

[anney]

i agree with the first person said.

 

[thereverendturtle]

Sorry, I meant driftwood. As for the existing algae, add a mystery snail or two, to help control it.