Algae on rocks or ornaments

[Habeas corpus]

How do you guys clean them..I read that some put in the elbow grease and scrub them. i was told by an aquarioum specialist that he sets these rocks and ornaments out in the hot Texas sun for a few days and they essentially burn the algae away. I have been doing it that way up to this point after first experimenting with the scrub method. How does everyone else handle this problem?

 

[Seven]

I used to scrub them with my algae brush, until I got my two black mystery snails. Before then I decided to just let it grow on rocks and ornaments because I figured I couldn't keep up with it. I got the snails on Monday and there are only small traces of algae in my tank anywhere.

Kinda neat to just not have to worry about controlling algae since I've got a couple of creatures to do it for me. They not only take care of the algae but I personally think they are neat to watch and add some more character to the tank.

 

[Habeas corpus]

What is a mystery snail? Is that actually their names? No problems with the fish and snails?

 

[madasafish]

Hi Habeas Corpus (Not a fan of what the US gov't is doing to arabs in America?)

Most ppl try the preventative method, and get snails or algae eaters to consume the algae before it has a chance to develop. Sometimes this just doesn't work. My plecos are VERY lazy at the moment, and don't seem to be doing anything. Others have recommended Otocinclus catfish (Otos) from the Family Loricariidae to get rid of algae. I (and others) don't recommend Chinese Algae Eaters because of their eventual size, aggression and dietary changes. Siamese algae eaters and flying foxes are a couple of other possibilities.

If the preventative method's not for you, scrub them when the build-up gets bad. Think about nutrient levels in your tank, though. If you're having algae problems, this probably indicates excesses of decaying matter and fish waste. Have you been gravel vacuuming? This should help.

Mind you, everybody has algae problems!!!!!

 

[Sati]

I have one little snail that is a very hard worker and does a great job on my whole 38g tank even though he's only about 1/2 round. I have a Burmese loach to keep Mr Snail from making hundreds of other snails, lol. I have a pleco I just got that works hard as well. I didn't need him for algae, but I wanted him. I also have an upside down catfish, but he only seems to scavenge at night.

 

[Sati]

Mind you, everybody has algae problems!!!!!

Madasa, I have been thinking about it this week. I just have no algae at all. I mean I guess there are traces that aren't really visible because I do see my cleaning crew working sometimes. I have to feed them tons of algae wafers, lol I think I'm the only one on the planet w/o algae.

 

[madasafish]

Lucky you are (Yoda). I wish I could say the same. I can't clean out my tank at the moment because my kitchen sink is clogged--ARG!!!!!! I use a python... The algae is multiplying nastily in my tank. I'm worried.

Since it's a 55 Gallon, water changes with my bucket aren't going to be enough! Maybe I'll have to do this, though...

 

[Sati]

Funny, my garbage dispoal isn't working and that made a clog :x

I still haven't bought a python and did the ol' bucket treatment yesterday. I always end up soaked from head to toe somehow too, lol.