Algae control

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Annabellam
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Algae control

Post by Annabellam »

Hi. Just wondering how you control algae growth in an aquarium. Does turning on lights on and off got to do anything with making them thrive or what could be encouraging extra growth?
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mewickham
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Re: Algae control

Post by mewickham »

Light plus nutrients equals algae. Maybe. It depends on how much light. It depends on how many nutrients, what type, and what proportions. And it depends on whether there are competitors to use those nutrients (plants) and/or herbivores to eat the algae faster than it grows. And there are different types of algae that prosper depending on the conditions.

Generally, the best way to prevent algae problems is to have a well-planted aquarium with strong light (2-5 watts per gallon, 12-14 hrs/day)-- so that the plants can grow and will need to use nutrients. Plants compete with algae for nutrients and tend to outcompete it. Still, it's useful to have herbivores as an additional control. Otocinclus, plecostomus, and Siamese algae eaters are great choices. The latter eat the dreaded hair algae that develop in some tanks.
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cbaranyk
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Re: Algae control

Post by cbaranyk »

Florida Flag fish also eat hair algae.
I employ all 3 Mike mentioned, plus Amano shrimp, and Nerite Snails.
Cleaner fish/inverts are the best way to cure algae.
I also use UV sterilizers, over filtration, frequent water changes, fast growing plants, and floating plants (water lettuce anyone?)

Good luck, algae is always a challenge in fish tanks.
Chris
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JoanneDisFan
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Re: Algae control

Post by JoanneDisFan »

Check out these sites. How to treat depends on the type of algae. It's a challenge to find the right balance of everything.
http://www.tropicalfishsite.com/types-of-algae-growth-found-in-the-home-aquarium/
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=446
Joanne Johnson
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Re: Algae control

Post by Annabellam »

Thank you guys for the advice. I'll keep reading up as well.
Annabellam
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Re: Algae control

Post by Annabellam »

Stilll on the same note, how do you clean up decorative rocks in your tanks?
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JoanneDisFan
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Re: Algae control

Post by JoanneDisFan »

Take them out and spray or coat with hydrogen peroxide. Wait a few minutes and then scrub it off. Rinse well before returning to the tank.
Joanne Johnson
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Re: Algae control

Post by Annabellam »

JoanneDisFan wrote:Take them out and spray or coat with hydrogen peroxide. Wait a few minutes and then scrub it off. Rinse well before returning to the tank.

Thank you.
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