Algae and Amano question

[Amicus]

I am planning on getting some Amano shrimp tomorrow along with some Excel Flourish as I have some bush algae at the moment. I actually think its kind of pretty but do not want it to overtake the tank. If I buy some Amano shrimps will I be killing all of their food? Will the Excel kill every type of algae in my tank? BTW it is a planted tank.

 

[HN1]

By "bush" algae, I'm assuming BBA (black beard algae)... Amanos won't eat it so killing off their food source isn't the biggest concern at all. You are better off removing the decor with the algae and treating outside of the tank. Shrimp do not do well with Excel in the concentration needed to effect BBA from what I've seen.

 

[Amicus]

Very good to know, I thought the OD with excel sounded a little harsh. The BBA is a tad frustrating though. I'm also going to try some otos too.

 

[Amicus]

Is there a fish that eats BBA? I have three flag fish and they eat some of it but they don't keep it at bay. Funny though, one of my plecos will go over it but the tufts are still there after he passes. Kind of like a lollipop!

 

[HN1]

Flags and juvie SAEs are the only fish that I've ever seen eat it first hand.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Spot treating with H2O2 will help, but if you've got BBA, that usually means you either have too low co2, fluctuating co2, or just too much light.

 

[Amicus]

I have figured it is low CO2 as I only have 2.5 wpg, 3x54 T5HO 65kK. I increased the CO2 but without a drop checker I am going slow and taking pH readings.

 

[mfdrookie516]

I'd get a drop checker. For $10 for 3 and $5 for the solution, it's a good way to set your mind at ease...

 

[Amicus]

How come I can't find a store that sells drop checkers? The lfs by me didn't even know what one was.

 

[Amicus]

I just got 3 flower shrimp and they are going to town on the bba. I will also supplement food for them.

 

[HN1]

Flower shrimp are filter feeders.

 

[jetajockey]

a 3x54w is a lot of light over the tank, just spend a little to get a drop checker and you'll get a better idea of where to set your co2 level at and hopefully get things balanced out.

 

[Amicus]

Where do I get solution?

 

[jetajockey]

I got mine from a guy on plantedtank.net. i often see it for sale on ebay also. I don't have the equipment to accurately make 4dkh.

 

[Amicus]

I got mine from a guy on plantedtank.net. i often see it for sale on ebay also. I don't have the equipment to accurately make 4dkh.

Thanks, I just bought one on ebay with the soluton for $20.

 

[jetajockey]

Make sure its 4dkh solution, basic reference solution isn't calibrated.