algea tips

[Newbneedshelp]

I have a syphon (or how ever you spell it) and I try to use it to clean out the agea but it doesnt seem to work. Any tips or suggestions? maybe a product or somthing, well thanks

 

[cginflorida]

You can buy an algae scraper at any lfs, there's all different kinds.

 

[chrism]

and magnets http://www.aquatics-direct.co.uk/productviewer.asp?ID=46&type= i just use a alge scrubber

 

[Ryne]

I recommend this chemical called "AlgaeFix". It works as long as you read the instructions and you still need to scrape the algae off the glass. I use a toothbrush to clean off the glass even though it's a little more work but you get into tighter spaces. Live plants can help against algae too since they compete with it for nutrients and what not. Direct sunlight can be a major factor for algae blooms as well, although a little sunlight isn't a bad thing especially if you have live plants.

That's my advice. And be careful with chemicals, add a little at a time to make sure it doesn't have bad effects on the fish and other inhabitants.

 

[Menagerie]

I would stick to natural ways, such as plants or scraping. A while ago Christmasfish recommended putting a lucky bamboo in a tank to take out nitrates and reduce the amount of nutrients for the algae. I tried it, but my cats ate the bamboo in a couple of days :x Since then, I placed a couple of low light plants in my tanks and things are looking great!

 

[Newbneedshelp]

i have 2 java ferns and i have i htink standard lighting(flouresent bulbs maybe...no idea lol)what else could i put in there for plants to keep the angea out of the way cause its going to be a problem? i have cories but they dont seem to like it to much.

 

[happyhillbilly]

I would try a pleco and I just use a regular sponge, because my algea isn't that bad.

 

[Newbneedshelp]

i dont think i can fit a pleco...10 gal 4 zebra danios and 3 cory cats....also probly getting some black phantom tetras

 

[happyhillbilly]

Yeah that would be too much for a 10 gal.

 

[Ryne]

Clown Plecos don't get big at all, I have one in my 15 gallon and it's only 3 inches, probably not even that. They're better than otos at gettin to the algae and I think they're more attractive. Their scientific name is "peckoltia vittata" or somethin like that.

And here's a question for anyone reading this topic... What plants help the best at reducing algae? I'd sure love a couple more ways to attack my algae problem. I just bought some algae eating shrimp so hopefully that'll help.

 

[Meredith]

you might think Im nuts but I wish I had an algae problem. I have very little to no algae, and I am always worried my little otos have nothing to eat.