Algae treatments

Jan 7, 2006
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WV
Recently did 50% water change in 55 gal oscar tank which is well established. Following this added algae tablets as prescribed for moderate amount of algae on plants, glass. This is the first time I have used such treatment. 2 days later, noticed water was becoming cloudy. Is this typical with algae treatment? All other parameters (pH, nitrites, ammonia) are WNL and fish acting normal. Thanks in advance for advice.
 
Many algae medications work by effecting cellular division (much like chemotherapy for cancer). This eventually leads them to die off producing massive amounts of wastes which the bacteria in your tank can't neccessarily consume so you get cloudy water from the bacterial bloom that follows. I would test for ammonia also since I am sure this algae treatment would also affect your nitrification bacteria somewhat and you might get an ammonia/nitrite spike.
 
Yes, some Algae Chems can cause cloudy water! What kind did you use? I would never recommend using algae Chemicals, or any other kind of chemicals other than De-chlor. I used algae-rid when I first started fishkeeping and both times I used it I lost fish to unexplainable deaths! Coinsidence? Maybe, But i have never used it again. what kind of Algae do you have? How much do you feed? do you have an Algae eater? how long do you have your lights on per day?
 
My main concern with algae killing chemicals is there effect on your filter bacteria. These are quite fragile (especially the nitrite eaters) and chemicals could harm them. I fight algae by treating the environmental factors.
 
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