jbl algol

[steg22]

Is this an effective treatment against algae? Also how do i get rid of phosphates if i use tap water? Thanks

 

[Peyton]

What kind of algae do you have? Also, why get rid of phosphates? If you have a planted tank you need phosphates.

 

[aqua_chem]

Do you know that you have phosphates? The content of tap water varies heavily from place to place.


I would avoid products marketed as algae killers. Most of them are fairly harsh on fish and inverts. They also will not affect some algae forms, so it's important to know exactly what you're dealing with. If you have an issue in your tank that's causing algae, it's important that you fix the root cause. Otherwise it will pop up again after you purge it with chemicals.


Note that Excel will not hurt plants or inverts if dosed appropriately, but it's not marketed as an algae removal either.

 

[steg22]

What is excel? The phosphates are 10. Its dark green and growing mainly off the plants leaves

 

[Peyton]

Seachem. Flourish Excel

Basically it's a carbon source for plants that has the added benefit of killing algae.

How are you testing for phosphates? Most P tests I've used were unreliable. Also high phosphates do not cause algae. Does the algae look like what is described here as green spot algae?
James' Planted Tank - Algae Guide

 

[steg22]

it's probably hair, thread, fuzz etc.

can I get this excel stuff in the uk?