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Algae??
Nov 9, 2003 10:47:14 GMT -5
Post by Emerson on Nov 9, 2003 10:47:14 GMT -5
Just spent the last hour+ scrubbing algae off all of Napoleon's decorations and off the sides of the tank, and then trying to siphon up the dozens of particles of it that were stirred up (using the ineffective turkey baster). Only to find, after filling his tank back up, that I missed some places -- it was even hanging off of his thermometer! Is there ANYTHING I can do to control this stuff? I know it's not harmful, but it looks like heck. I noticed that both Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and Jungle both make products to remove algae. There are probably others, but these are the two names that I most trust. Does anyone know if these are safe to use from time to time? I wouldn't want to make a habit of it, but when it starts to make his water look GREEN, then I think it's time to do something about it. We are trying to keep their lights off part of the day, but in this dark room it's really hard to see them without it!  BTW, I tested for nitrates before I underwent this major cleaning, it was between 0 and just a trace. sef |
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Rhyn
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 165
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Algae??
Nov 9, 2003 13:52:40 GMT -5
Post by Rhyn on Nov 9, 2003 13:52:40 GMT -5
Sounds like the kind of algae problem that made me get the otto. I later learned they were supposed to be in schools, but honestly, mine was perfectly fine with just the two bettas (and divider). I'd switch him from one side to the other and he really ate so much I kept getting worried he'd starve 'cause after 24 hours in there, there was no more algae.
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Algae??
Nov 9, 2003 18:03:56 GMT -5
Post by estel on Nov 9, 2003 18:03:56 GMT -5
I noticed that both Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and Jungle both make products to remove algae. There are probably others, but these are the two names that I most trust. Does anyone know if these are safe to use from time to time? I wouldn't want to make a habit of it, but when it starts to make his water look GREEN, then I think it's time to do something about it. Here's something to think about that I read recently... when algae grow, they're using up nutrients in the water that other organisms (e.g., higher plants) aren't. When you use an algaecide, then all the algae die, *but* they stay in the water and the nutrient levels go way up as the algae decompose and release the nutrients they contain. This means, a week or two later, because there are so many more nutrients in the water, you get an even worse algae bloom to contend with... and of course, using algaecide again begins the cycle anew. Hence, people often say it's better to try and balance the nutrients in the water than engage in chemical warfare. BTW, I tested for nitrates before I underwent this major cleaning, it was between 0 and just a trace. The nitrates could be at zero because the algae are using all the nitrogen up  - a little algae can be good for keeping your tank clean nutrient-wise (although, agreed, green water is definitely not a pretty sight). And regardless, IMHO it's not the level of one particular nutrient that matters, it's the proportions of all the nutrients - the balance. E.g., high phosphates and zero nitrates will be heaven for some algae, because no higher plant can use phosphates without using any nitrates. I don't know if you have any plants in your tank, but if you don't, maybe you could put some Elodea or a similar fast-growing "algae-buster" in to help out-compete the algae. If the problem is really bad, a better solution than chemicals IMHO is a complete tear-down and disinfection of the tank. Phew *takes a breath*... I'm not an experienced aquarist, all of the above is stuff I've gleaned from fora like plantedtank.net and good websites like skepticalaquarist.com (hmm, seems to be having problems right now), so take it with a grain of salt and do your own research to confirm  |
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Algae??
Nov 10, 2003 5:52:55 GMT -5
Post by Emerson on Nov 10, 2003 5:52:55 GMT -5
estel,
Wow! You have certainly given me some things to think about. Great information! And all of it makes perfect sense. Really, I didn't like the thought of pumping chemcials into the aquarium. I'm funny about putting anything in there that I don't absolutely have to (including meds), but I was so exasperated yesterday. I'm a little less frustrated today, after I see how clear the water looks after a 45% water change and scrubbing down the ornaments and sides of the tank. Certainly I can do that, say, monthly if it will make this big a difference. (A neighbor came over last night to visit and actually remarked, "How do you keep your tanks so CLEAN?" I had to laugh.)
I don't have live plants in the tank because it's such a dark corner of the room and I doubt that anything could grow. I had some of those live plant "bulbs" from MalWart in the tank with Horatio, but the roots would easily die and rot, and Horatio chewed up the leaves (never did figure that one out), so I decided against using them for Napoleon.
Anyway, I appreciate your thoughts on this, and will definitely mull this over!
sef
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Algae??
Nov 10, 2003 8:29:36 GMT -5
Post by estel on Nov 10, 2003 8:29:36 GMT -5
Wow! You have certainly given me some things to think about. Great information! And all of it makes perfect sense. Really, I didn't like the thought of pumping chemcials into the aquarium. I'm funny about putting anything in there that I don't absolutely have to (including meds), but I was so exasperated yesterday. Well, none of it was out of my own head Just stuff I've picked up in my travels. I've had Nano less than two months and have yet to battle a major algae bloom (*touch wood*), so even *I'm* not 100% sure that what I said makes sense  Anyway, I agree about the chemicals - less is more. I'm a little less frustrated today, after I see how clear the water looks after a 45% water change and scrubbing down the ornaments and sides of the tank. Certainly I can do that, say, monthly if it will make this big a difference. (A neighbor came over last night to visit and actually remarked, "How do you keep your tanks so CLEAN?" I had to laugh.) Hehehe, just goes to show - it's probably not quite as bad as you think  As long as Napoleon is happy... I don't have live plants in the tank because it's such a dark corner of the room and I doubt that anything could grow. I had some of those live plant "bulbs" from MalWart in the tank with Horatio, but the roots would easily die and rot, and Horatio chewed up the leaves (never did figure that one out), so I decided against using them for Napoleon. Aww, quirky fish Maybe there's a plant that would make it with just room lighting? Java moss or Java fern? You never know. Anyway, glad I could provide some food for thought Now, I just have to master this new digicam so I can take mountains upon mountains of pictures of Nano... brace yourselves |
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- a little algae can be good for keeping your tank clean nutrient-wise (although, agreed, green water is definitely not a pretty sight). And regardless, IMHO it's not the level of one particular nutrient that matters, it's the proportions of all the nutrients - the balance. E.g., high phosphates and zero nitrates will be heaven for some algae, because no higher plant can use phosphates without using any nitrates.
As long as Napoleon is happy...