Problems with Algone!

[bubblegum58]

There's an old thread about algone, with absolutely no replies!

I used this in a tank yesterday, and ironically it turned my clear water a yellowish-brown colour. I removed in case it was distressing my fish. Should I continue using it?

Here's its website: http://www.algone.com/

 

[rush07]

I have used Algone in the past with great results. I have never had an issue with it discoloring the water. I had one shipment come in damaged and found there customer service to be helpful. May want to try calling them and see if they have any idea why this is happening. I am not sure it this stuff goes bad over time. I would give them a call - 1-877-4algone.

 

[msjinkzd]

why are you using it? do you have algae issues? what type?

 

[theotheragentm]

If you are suffering from green water, a 5-day blackout will take care of that. Cover the fish tank completely so no light gets in and don't feed for 5 days.

 

[Cory Keeper]

I generally stay away chemicals, unless its like prime or something. I don't see why people are not willing to just scrub the walls a little bit.

 

[jpappy789]

I agree. Chemicals, more often than not, end up doing more harm to the tank. Better to fix the problem, especially with algae, than use chemicals.

 

[GirlieGirl8521]

If its for algae, you are just providing a temporary solution, not fixing the problem. I would not add chemicals to get rid of algae.....its pretty much pointless. You need to ID it, find out whats causing it, and get rid of the problem.

 

[rush07]

If you live in an area that has water high in phosphates (as I do), it is very effective in removing them from the water. I have found Algone more effective than other products in removing phosphates from the water. The AP Tap Water Filter also brings the level down to "0" and I use this when filling new tanks, but for removing the phosphates after water changes I use an Algone pad in my canister filter. Seems to work for about 4 months.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i agree i stay away from chemicals

 

[bubblegum58]

Nope my tank is pretty much algae-free. I bought it because it seemed like a good product to control ammonia, nitrate and nitrate levels.

I am not sure it this stuff goes bad over time.

That's what I'm afraid of -- the shop I bought it from seemed to have had it on the shelf for a long time. I've contacted them by email and they responded

"It is unlikely that Algone causes any discoloration, however in a small environment a slight yellowish discoloration may occur. This effect is harmless and will not impact the water parameters negatively. Either way, it is safe to continue to use Algone. Activated carbon should help with this kind of discoloration whether it is from the Algone pouch or otherwise.

Be sure not to use more Algone then recommended at any given time as this can increase the chances of discoloration. But again it is harmless and should clear rather quickly."

My tank is 10 gallons and I'm using one pack as the instruction states. I did put it in again, but then my fish displayed abit of darting behavior at the front of the tank near the wall. It doesn't look like flashing. As you can tell I'm quite new at this. Could it be stress due to a change in the water chemistry?

Btw what's activated carbon?