recomended algae control

[biggfish]

Hello all:

What do you do to control algae growth in your tank. I went with a brighter light so I could see the patterns on my marbles better, but I anticipate more algae growth. What fish, chemicals, or technique do you use to deter algae growth?

 

[Austin]

water changes and don't leave the light on constantly....

 

[skynoch]

Usually with my rays I never get much of a build up of nitrates with waterchanges or a bright enough light to have any algae grow. But I heard bristlenoses do good with rays.

 

[vamptrev]

UV, waterchanges, pleco

 

[biggfish]

I have two UV canisters. The light is on a timer for about 9 hours. I used to keep bristlenose in the tank and then I let the rays get too hungry trying to convert them to pellets. They preferred to eat the bristlenose instead of pellets. LOL! Per haps I will try again and add a few more places to hide since they did not bother them until they got really hungry and much bigger.

 

[synspilus guy]

The 2 most common algae producers are OVERSTOCKING and OVERFEEDING.

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Gotta have a flagtail in every one of my tanks. Thou always watch them until they start eating the slime...lol

 

[West1]

The light is on a timer for about 9 hours /QUOTE]

Thats your prob bud. I used to keep mine on forever too... till I seen tons of alge in my tank and added 2 plecos with my UV... it slowed down but still was building up.

Now I have my T5s on for about 4-5hrs (5pm-9pm... when its dark plus im not home before 5) and I use my magnets maybe... once a month and thats for a few small spots on the front of the acrylic
JMO

 

[Deaths Sting]

Flag tails - they eat algae like no tomorrow and their ray friendly. i bought one finally when i started getting traces of algae. my tank was spotless after 2 days... and still remains that way.

 

[biggfish]

Flagtails? Hmm...If I can sneak them past the arowanas, it just might work. Any other suggestions?