need advice on keeping ray tanks algae free

[ado124]

I plan on picking up some rays in the not so distant future and was wondering ray keepers kept their tanks glass/acrylic clean from algae? I've read that plecos aren't the best for rays so what do you guys do? Just a weekly wipe down? What about bare bottom tanks?

[Gr8KarmaSF]

I keep a Flagtail in all my tanks.

Only thing to watch out for is if they start liking the taste of slime coat!

[ado124]

ooo, did not know that about flagtails! might have to pick one up!

[keepinfish]

i just use a magnetic scraper and do it weekly.

[ado124]

i just use a magnetic scraper and do it weekly.


What about the bottom?

[carolines100]

I magnet scrub front and side weekly and for the back a bit tricky with it being 4 foot wide and up against wall but i tied a algae scrapper to a broom handle lol and scub the back once a week too as for the bottom i have sand so dont do anything .

[gaz025]

i have a plec . does a cracking job . never been a problem to the rays .

[hbluehunter]

I had a flagtail but had to move it because he took a liking to my marble, i now have a bushynose pleco and he hasn't messed with any rays in my tank yet..

[Tom]

Water changes.

[Jamieishard]

ha ha u crack me up :) yeah id say lot of water changes and a tank magnet....i dont even think baout it anymore i just do it.

Water changes.

[ado124]

Thanks for the advice guys, i'll give each a try.

[Nic]

water changes.... mag float and a aquamop for the hard to reach places...

[abortedsoul]

I have never had an algae problem. If you set up a drip system with a decent flow, you don’t really provide it enough nitrates to survive. I have a tank scrubber brush, but I’ve never really used it.

For small accumulations of whatever, you can always use one of those in-tank magnetic cleaners.

[Austin]

I have never had an algae problem. If you set up a drip system with a decent flow, you don’t really provide it enough nitrates to survive. I have a tank scrubber brush, but I’ve never really used it.

For small accumulations of whatever, you can always use one of those in-tank magnetic cleaners.

same here. i don't grow algae in any of my tanks. have magfloats but don't use them but once every few weeks.

[Deaths Sting]

i have mag float...but.. i hardy ever use it...i have virtually 0 algae on my tank ever!

the tank is kept out of the sun and i don't use any lighting...
the tank also has very good circulation/filtration.

[Nic]

i have mag float...but.. i hardy ever use it...i have virtually 0 algae on my tank ever!

the tank is kept out of the sun and i don't use any lighting...
the tank also has very good circulation/filtration.


i kept a tank dark for the most part all the time... had a nasty algea bloom form... basically opposite of photosynthesis... 55w UV and i got it cleared... best bet is just to keep your lights on a timer...

[abortedsoul]

i kept a tank dark for the most part all the time... had a nasty algea bloom form... basically opposite of photosynthesis... 55w UV and i got it cleared... best bet is just to keep your lights on a timer...

Sure that was algae? :\

[DavidW]

Algae is usually a result of too many organic nutrients in the water ( phosphates etc from pH buffers are a common cause) . A lot of light and you get green algae, not much light and you get brown algae, either way you get algae.
To kill it use UV sterilization. Whether you have algae or not you still need to wipe down the glass surfaces of your tank . "Cleanliness is next to Godliness"

[Lupin]

Algae is usually a result of too many organic nutrients in the water ( phosphates etc from pH buffers are a common cause) . A lot of light and you get green algae, not much light and you get brown algae, either way you get algae.
To kill it use UV sterilization. Whether you have algae or not you still need to wipe down the glass surfaces of your tank . "Cleanliness is next to Godliness"
Well said, David!:iagree: You don't need a fish to do the task for you. Algae is part of the ecosystem.

[Rebel Souljah]

i use a sweet in-tank UV STERILIZER!!!

[epicentyr]

+1 for the UV :nilly:

I have never had any algae issues since I started my tank. Also, I light with ambient light unless I am looking at the tank. I figure that the rays are used to subdued lighting, at best, being from the murky amazon rivers.