Anti algae remedies

I just recently purchased "algae destroyer" something. I purchased it without any prior research on it and I figured it was snake oil, but it claims it is safe for plants and fish so I am trying it. So far, no adverse effects, even my snails are fine. Of course, a quick fix is never the best option, as the problem will just come back unless you find the root of it. But I am just using it to quicken the process while I am going to take precautions in the future - less nutrients added and shorter light cycle, for me.

Noddy65 said:

Hi all
Ive just started getting an algae problem, hair, beard, that dark green black stuff and little spots on the glass, you name it Ive got it.
My question is: how good or bad are those Antialgae remedies you can get from the fish shop. Im not sure whats in them but do they work. Ive been told to keep away from any containg Cu (its just too toxic for the plants in the tank) but what about the varoius others?
Anyone have any ideas.

ps. Im from Australia so im sure the things we have here are a little different from the things you have over seas.

Thanks all
Mike Miller

Click to expand...

Good growers and experienced folks do not use snake oils or algae killers, that's not really a hobby.

Growing aquatic plants is a hobby.
So, focus on their needs, not killing algae.

Then you do not have algae because you provided a good home for the plants.

Give them what they need to grow and you do not have algae.

Regards,
Tom Barr

On www.plantgeek.net there is an alage guide. You can look up what kind it is, and how to get rid of it.

Noddy, if you give algae a reason to grow, it will grow. If you give algae a reason to die, it will die. Although most common forms of algae are the easiest plants to grow, they are also the easiest plant to kill. I think this point misses most people so it needed to be stated.

I've discovered through my own experience that most common forms of algae are exquisitely weak. If you remove their source of food they will not survive for long. Not so with higher forms of plant life. Plants will linger on for days, weeks, even months without much food at all. So the first thing you should try is starving your tank of nutrients. Perform a 50% water change twice a week. Add little or no ferts.

I'm fairly new to plants as well. I have a 10 gal. which I had been struggling with for months. No matter what I tried I couldn't keep algae from growing and taking over the tank. Then I took the advice to starve the algae of nutrients by performing a large bi-weekly water change. I dosed only half of what I normally do during this time. Within two weeks all my problems literally dissolved away. All visible algae (including hair, green and brown algae) was gone and the water had a clear polished appearance. It's been great ever since. I'm even beginning to feel as if I know what I'm doing.. even if that feeling is just me fooling myself into believing that I know what I'm doing.