Daphnia?

[YY7]

My water has turned green, I read that one solutin would be placing daphnia in a breeder net, they eat the algae. I would like to know if anyone knows where and how to get them, or culture them?

 

[ChileRelleno]

Gonna need a Hades of a lot of daphnia 8-O

I'd suggest using #s 2, 3, 4, & any of the filtration methods #s 5-8.

Algae...
Primarily are caused too much light and/or for too long, combined with a high level of nutrients in the water.
Fix these and the algae will not survive.

Some ways to eradicate algae...

#s 1, 2, 3 & 4 are the best long term solutions to algae problems.
#5 can can work wonders under the right circumstances.

(1) Rub-a-dub dub scrub scrub scrub... Break out the scouring pad and get busy.
But, believe it or not, leave some decor covered with it, the algae on the object will be using the nutrients other algae would need to grow, your controlling more algae growth by giving it competition.

(2) Lowering amount of light.
Lights on for no more than 8hrs unless growing plants, preferably 6 hours.
Not everyday is bright and sunny, and some days are partially cloud, subdued/ambient lighting when not at home is just fine.

(3)Temp -77'f, algae does better at temps above 77'f.

(4)Nutrients in the water.
Reduce feedings. Increase PWC's (partial water changes).
Nutrients that algae need are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients come from the waste the fish and beneficial bacteria, uneaten food, and the decay of dead plant/algae material. tap water can be high in phosphorus.

(5) A UVS (Ultra Violet Sterilizer), kills the algae and some types of other free-floating unwanted biologicals. A algae bloom is still a possibilty with UVS if not set-up properly.

(6) Certain fish/shrimp/snail species are good for eating specific types of algae.

(7) A Diatom Filter, removes algae from the water.
Not a permanent solution.

(8.) Filtration using a 'Micron' pads will remove algae.
Not a permanent solution.

(9) A 'complete blackout' of the tank for at least three (3) days, sometimes longer will kill the algae bloom.
This option will not adversely affect your fish, but you can move them to a holding tank if you want to.
Not a permanent solution.

(10) Algaecides, use VERY carefully, preferably don't use'em at all as they can cause harm.
Not a permanent solution.


Goodluck and HTH.

 

[Aquarium1]

Its better to treat the problem than the symptoms. Can you think of any reason it may be green? What are the parameters? How many and what kind of fish? Also how long do you keep the lights on? Do you have any plants, and if you do, do you dose ferts? Sorry to bombard you with questions, lol, but all are important in trying to fix the problem that makes your water green.