Cleaning plants

[henry1245]

Hi all,

Some of my plants have built up some algae on the leaves - what's the best way to clean them? (will I have to remove them from the tank to do so?)

Thanks!
Henry

 

[Mr. Limpet]

Hi all,

Some of my plants have built up some algae on the leaves - what's the best way to clean them? (will I have to remove them from the tank to do so?)

Thanks!
Henry

I use a brand new, soft bristle toothbrush on mine and just cradle the leaf I'm cleaning in the palm of one hand and brush. I start out gentle and adjust as needed and no, IMO you shouldn't remove the plants.

 

[henry1245]

That's great thanks... It's only the top few leaves so would I be best to do it whilst I do a PWC in order to get a better handle on them?

 

[Mr. Limpet]

That's great thanks... It's only the top few leaves so would I be best to do it whilst I do a PWC in order to get a better handle on them?

Yep, that's what I do.

But if I want to get to one I missed during a PWC, I just scoop a couple gallons out and hold it in a bucket, scrub and add the water back.

If you have goldfish they may want a their backs scratched like mine do, but avoid the temptation since their body slime is delicate .

 

[henry1245]

I'll invest in a new toothbrush tomorrow then! Thanks for the advice!!

 

[mfdrookie516]

I always just trim affected leaves if possible.... the type of algae would determine the correct course of action though.

 

[Marconis]

In my opinion, it's best to just leave them and treat the issue. If you don't treat the issue, the algae will just keep coming back. You can also get some snails and algae eater fish to take care of it. Like Jon sad, all based on the type of algae.

 

[AquaCheatah]

ottos would be great to clean plants

 

[xfactor6699]

I had a huge algae problem so I went and bought 2 flying fox fish and in 24 hours absolutely no algae I've never seen any fish work that fast they are my new favorite fish

 

[Mr. Limpet]

If you want to add something to clean you plants/tank and enjoy watching, AES (amano) are great shrimp. Just be careful if you have bigger fish that might eat them lol.

The flying Fox looks kinda like an oto, gonna have to check them out.

 

[xfactor6699]

If you want to add something to clean you plants/tank and enjoy watching, AES (amano) are great shrimp. Just be careful if you have bigger fish that might eat them lol.

The flying Fox looks kinda like an oto, gonna have to check them out.

Flying foxes rule they are the king of eating algae

 

[Batt4Christ]

Siamese Algae Eaters look similar, but are NOT the same. See below for a pretty good ID page:

http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummagazine/may08/siamese-algae-eater-id.htm

 

[xfactor6699]

Siamese Algae Eaters look similar, but are NOT the same. See below for a pretty good ID page:

http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummagazine/may08/siamese-algae-eater-id.htm

I know what sae are I have flying foxes

 

[AquaCheatah]

i have two SAE and an Oto cat to do the job and if they get tired
i got a BN pleco to finish up the rest

 

[rain87]

I have some what looks like black algae on my anubais nana but my oto's aren't going after it should I try the toothbrush method?

 

[Mr. Limpet]

I have some what looks like black algae on my anubais nana but my oto's aren't going after it should I try the toothbrush method?

It should work for that. Here's a link to BBA.

Greater Washington Aquatic Plant Association » Algae in the Planted Aquarium

 

[rain87]

It doesn't look like any of those pictures it looks like black dots almost like pen or marker on it

 

[Mr. Limpet]

It doesn't look like any of those pictures it looks like black dots almost like pen or marker on it

May be the leaves are rotting/dying. I'd suggest starting a tread on them and post pics for more help.

 

[rain87]

K thanks

 

[kevkev3321]

I had an algae outbreak in my 100g. I have about 30 Anubias and a brazillian sword that were all covered in algae. I got 3 Chinese algae eaters for 5 bucks and in 24 hours everything was clean. Even my gravel lol