Algae Destroyer?

[MetalRavioli]

Hey y'all!

I have a tank on the smaller size here, and It's become quite ridden with several types of algae. (green hair, beard, green spot) I've had trouble completely getting rid of it, as it seems to sporut back from whatever leftovers remain after scrubbing. I was debating using some sort of algae destroyer to completely rid the tank of all algae, but I'm a little hesitant. Would it effect my plants at all as well? I know it kills invertebrates, would that include beneficial bacteria?

In general, do you think it would be a good idea to use some algae destroyer?

 

[fiskergannet]

Using an algae destroyer in your tank can be effective in eliminating algae, but it's important to consider the potential impact on your plants and beneficial bacteria. Algae destroyers typically contain chemicals that can harm or kill invertebrates, including beneficial bacteria. If you have live plants in your tank, it's best to exercise caution as certain algae destroyers can also harm or inhibit plant growth.
Before using any algae destroyer, it's recommended to thoroughly research the specific product, read user reviews, and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, consider exploring alternative methods to control and prevent algae growth, such as adjusting lighting and nutrient levels, increasing water flow, and practicing regular maintenance and cleaning routines.

 

[jjohnwm]

If you had mice in your house, how would you respond? Personally, I would try to find and seal up the obvious flaws in the structure through which they gained entrance; I would set a few traps and monitor/service them daily; and I would scrupulously clean up food scraps and make sure that no foodstuffs were accessible to the mice. If the mice can't get in, have no food and are being trapped out...they will soon be gone, or at least under control...and then don't wait until you have another plague of them; keep on top of it.

Or...you could tent the house, vacate and remove all the people, pets and plants, and flood it with deadly poison gas to kill the mice.

I know which course I would, and do, follow.

Algae is the same; outcompete it with plants, tinker with illumination so that your plants have enough but no more, reduce nutrient levels by more frequent and larger water changes, don't overfeed and thus load the tank with unnecessary nutrients, and generally practice good maintenance. Clean and remove algae as it appears, rather than waiting until everything is coated in green. Learn how many hours of light your tank requires for its plants, and then split that illumination into two separate periods, morning and evening, with a lights-off period in between; this step alone can work wonders. If you are going to have plants, then...have plants! Don't just stick a couple spindly stems in, bite the bullet and buy a good load of plants. The tank will require the same illumination either way, but with lots of plants the algae will need to compete for available nutrients rather than merely overwhelming one or two small plants. Floating plants are often the easiest to grow and not only do they utilize nutrients, but they also shade the tank which helps in the battle as well.

Or...go the lazy route and buy a bottle of some mysterious chemical potion and toss it in; chemotherapy for your aquarium. In this case, you would essentially be hoping to walk that fine line between achieving nothing versus killing everything. Reading the bottle is easy; believing what it says may be a challenge.

Again, I know which route I would choose...but everybody is different, and lots of folks apparently think that the Better Living Through Chemicals approach is the way to go.

Whichever you choose...good luck!

 

[esoxlucius]

I also have a little tank full of algae, a 13g hex tank. Am I in a constant battle to get rid of it all? Not a chance. I love it. There are many benefits of algae and if your lighting and nutrient levels are right it will reach a level where it is wholly manageable. But I agree, if they're not, then you can get overwhelmed with the stuff!

I don't do water changes in this tank, I also don't have a filter, just a small powerhead and a heater. My parameters are always 0ppm and the water is always crystal clear. My shoal of a dozen Serpae tetras are thriving.

My algae is the life blood of my tank. I spend more time knelt in front of this tank admiring it than I do looking at my 360!

Embrace the algae!

 

[duanes]

There is a product, called Rid-X that is not poison.
What it does is introduce certain species of "good" bacteria that outcompete the bluegreen algae types (really cyanobacteria).
It is not an overnight cure all.
I had a tank beset with cyanobacteria.

Above isa log covered in cyanobacteria.
I added a tsp or 2 of Rid-X powder per week to a filter sock in my sump.

Within about a month, below is that once algae covered log.

You get Rid-X as a dry powder, from Hardware suppliers like Home Depot, and it is made to add to septic systems to promote beneficial in them, that compete with nasty smelling odor producer .
After I figured the good bacteria had permeated the tank, I'd pull the filter sock with the powder.
There is a sticky here on MFK, with other versions of similar products.
But I also like algae, as does esoxlucius, but am persnickety about the particular species I like to promote.

The Use of Probiotics in Aquaculture (Read!)