Algae Treatments..

[jbrdbr111]

I just purchased Tank Buddies No More Algae, and after reading all the
warnings about it causing harm to humans & animals and causing cancer, etc I was
wondering if anyone else uses this or similar algae remover, or a safer
alternative, etc...

I'm wondering with all the warnings if I would expect to get dead fish and fry after use, or harm to myself..

It seems atleast at PetCo where I usually go, I found the same chemicals in all Algae removers, so I would like to hear from others who have treated their tanks and any advice for me to use these wafers..

Any advice is greatly welcome...

 

[YoFishboy]

I have used chemical algae removal products in the past, but primarily only in an outdoor pond. Generally speaking, I prefer natural methods for keeping algae down, such as frequent water changes, using plants, algae eating fish, and controlling light levels. It's always nice if chemicals can be avoided and used as a last resort. I have also used a more "natural" product called Algone from time to time, but I have yet to be convinced that it is really all that effective.

 

[pl*co]

Agreed. Depending on the type of algae, adding or diminishing light is a good natural solution.

 

[fsn77]

First, you should try to identify the reason you have an algae problem and what type of algae it is. There are some different methods based upon the type of algae. In general, too much light, overstocking, overfeeding, or any combination of them can lead to an algae problem.

If you have a phosphate test kit, test your tank and see how high it is. I've successfully used PhosGuard in my fw tanks to reduce phosphate levels, which helps to combat algae.

As for a chemical treatment to just kill the algae, the only one I've ever had work for me was AlgaeFix. If you decide to use an algaecide, please be careful where you dispose of the water from your water changes, as they aren't the best thing for the environment (most are toxic to aquatic invertebrates).

 

[jbrdbr111]

hmm, wish there was another less-lethal way.. I worry that I'll find my fish and new born fry floating at the top the next day if I use the really potent stuff....

 

[cohazard]

hmm, wish there was another less-lethal way.. I worry that I'll find my fish and new born fry floating at the top the next day if I use the really potent stuff....

What is your water change schedule like? 25% once a week?

You should shoot for a minimum of 50% once a week with more being better.

What's your lighting setup like? Do you have live or fake plants?

 

[jbrdbr111]

25% every week, and I have the standard flourescent tube hood light that I keep on about 12 hours a day..

I have all fake plants...

 

[cohazard]

I'd suggest bumping up the water changes to at least 50%, try some algae busting live plants like anacharis, limnophila sessiflora (ambulia).

But the water changes alone should do the trick.

 

[appsgang43]

I also purchased Algone, I have been using it for 2 weeks now and I don't see any improvement.:huh:

 

[american_badger]

While it is best to use chemicals as a last resort, I did find that using a product called Algae Destroyer Advanced really worked well. Just make sure that you only use the right amount for your tank and you can't use it if you have freshwater crustaceans like shrimp, it will kill them. It's also safe if you have live plants in your tank.