Algae Pond Block Question/solution?

[danalito]

Hello. Iv'e always had bad luck with pleco's. Most every fish I've had or have usually do just fine, However, The longest Iv'e ever had a pleco was about 2 years, grew pretty big about 11 inches long before dying. A few weeks ago I bought a new pleco about 7 inches long along with 4 other fish 3 inch Green Severums, and a 8 inch tin foil barb. The next day I awoke to see plecos eyes were both eaten, and he soon after died.

I suspect my 6 inch Black Belt cichlid ate the eyes [not sure], also few days later tin foil barb got 1 of his eyes eaten as well, I traded my Black Belt for a 6 inch Green Sev, and decided I'm done with pleco's for awhile.

Here's my question, I told my fish dealer I wanted to control my algae growth which is taking over the rear of my tank, and spotting up random spots over the entire tank. { Not too bad but noticable]...My dealer gave me something called "Pond Block" Algae control. I looked it up and even called the product company to ask if it's ok for a fresh water aquarium. Since all I find is for "Pond use" They said "it's very concentrated so they wouldn't do it. However, my dealer says he's used it for a person when he did maintenance on their tank. Has anyone used or uses this product on their freshwater tank? Or do you have another solution if you don't recommed the "Pond Block?"

Please help...thanks [ My largest fish is an 8 inch Oscar and an 8 inch Frontosa]

 

[Knowdafish]

Algae us caused by too much light and too much nutrients. Cut down on the light (is it near a window?) and do some water changes. Algae thrives on nitrates and phosphates.
Chemicals should be a last resort.

 

[danalito]

Yes it's near a window that I need to buy blinds for, [currently only has a curtain. As of the last month I began to do weekly 15% water changes. And I reduced the lights from 10 hours to 6-8 However, algae still returns. Must be the sun peeking through the window. My problem Is I can't seem to effectivly scrub off the existing algae on the rear of the tank.

 

[chesterthehero]

use a towel to cover the back of the tank till you get some blinds.. clothes pins work great for holding it in place..

if it wont scrub off use a creditcard/razorblade (glass tank only)


wouldnt hurt to step up the water changes as well.. go 25-30% and see if that helps


"Chemicals should be a last resort." <--- truth

 

[ctoychik]

Even short periods of direct sunlight can make the aquarium change color. I have moved my remaining aquarium back inside the house....should sweet

...but seriously, chemical solution should be last

 

[FSM]

Cover all sides but the front of the tank, if light is entering through them, or get some blinds for the window. A background for the tank is still a good idea though, because it will make the tank look a lot nicer. Black posterboard works, or the ones made for aquariums.

Also, you should probably up your water changes. 15% a week is not very much, especially compared to what some people on these forums do. It took me half an hour to change 50% on my 75, so it isn't very time consuming. If you are using buckets though, get a hose and a sink attachment, and use that to siphon water out and refill.