Algae

[amerpatrt]

Question for you lovely people who care enough to spend time answering questions for newbies-
Can those algae wafers that i feed my algae eaters actually 'infect' the water with algae? Are they a synthetic algae, or irradiated so that it cannot re-grow when put back into water? I don't know...these are my fears; that I could actually be 'introducing' algae into my tank. (?)
Thank you in advance to everybody in this forum. I cannot believe how many of you have been so patient and helpful on this forum.
Most newbie forums in various venues (be it animal, technical, whatever,) tend to be trashing places where bullies get their kicks being cruel to new people, and nobody learns anything but hate. This forum isn't like that, and I for one really enjoy it here. Perhaps the different forums 'within the forum', where the old timers can participate in forums geared toward advanced fishkeeping, and not have to be bothered unless they so choose to be.
Happy daze to all,
Dawn

 

[OrionGirl]

Just a quick request--please post in the normal size fonts. The larger fonts are good to use for emphasis, but can detract from a post if used for the whole thing. Thanks! OG

Welcome to AC!

The algae tabs won't introduce algae to your tank. Most likely, the algae spores are already present--though some specific kinds are usually introduced, common green algae is ubiquitous in our waters. Without aggressive treatment it's always there, though typically harmless. In aquariums, those spores can germinate and survive (no chlorine, good food source, and light). Controlling the amount of nutrient in the water will control the algae--frequent water change, though they may introduce more algae spores, reduce the nutrients (ie, fish waste) available as a food source.