Mark6rules
05-21-2003, 11:22 PM
I've been battling algae for 6 months, now, after moving my 150 gal. FW system in Nov. to a new home. Mostly, it's been hair algae, and until I get an RO system (recommended by more than one of you kind people), I'll fight the green stuff.
About 2 weeks ago, the hair algae all but disappeared...but in its place, an algae form I've never seen has taken hold. It's light green, and forms in sheets, on the glass, the gravel, everything... It looks like...green Saran Wrap. It's very easy to remove, but has taken over the tank. My phosphates are high, and I'm sure this has contributed. Anyone know what specific kind of algae this is? I haven't been able to pinpoint it in any web resource.
Also -- I noticed my Clown Loaches were breathing faster than usual tonight...I did an ammonia check, and sure enough, I spiked about a .5. This has never happened to me, except for cycling. I removed the charcoal from my Magnum about 2 weeks ago, at the advice of a friend who said charcoal isn't needed, because I've got a large trickle filter system also. I did an immediate 25% water change, added AmmoLok and won't feed for 24 hours. I'll also do a complete cleaning tomorrow.
Do you think the lack of charcoal led to a spike? What's the majority vote on routine use of charcoal vs. not?
Thanks.
Doug
About 2 weeks ago, the hair algae all but disappeared...but in its place, an algae form I've never seen has taken hold. It's light green, and forms in sheets, on the glass, the gravel, everything... It looks like...green Saran Wrap. It's very easy to remove, but has taken over the tank. My phosphates are high, and I'm sure this has contributed. Anyone know what specific kind of algae this is? I haven't been able to pinpoint it in any web resource.
Also -- I noticed my Clown Loaches were breathing faster than usual tonight...I did an ammonia check, and sure enough, I spiked about a .5. This has never happened to me, except for cycling. I removed the charcoal from my Magnum about 2 weeks ago, at the advice of a friend who said charcoal isn't needed, because I've got a large trickle filter system also. I did an immediate 25% water change, added AmmoLok and won't feed for 24 hours. I'll also do a complete cleaning tomorrow.
Do you think the lack of charcoal led to a spike? What's the majority vote on routine use of charcoal vs. not?
Thanks.
Doug