I used to have a 55 gallon fresh water aquarium back in the late 90's using undergravel filters. Everything was good for about 6 months when I moved the tank into a room with a lot of sunlight (although not direct sunlight) and I started to get an algae problem and nothing I did could get rid of it. It almost required daily water changes to just see into the tank. Then someone suggest I get an external canister filter and use crushed oyster shells - the stuff you purchase at a pool shop. The results were amazing! The tank was crystal clear, no more algae. Something with the combination of the filter and the powder made for a very effective filter. I ran the filter 24/7 but would only add the powder and run for about 6 hours. Then I just washed out the filter to remove the powder and all the junk and fine particles that it had collected. I replaced the filter every month. The fish seemed to thrive and were very healthy!
After a few years, life happened and I got rid of the tank and all of the equipment. Now I have a 50 gallon and moved to a place where the room is flooded with light. And algae is once again a problem. I have tried tablets, daily water changes.... even emptied the tank completely and tried washing everything. I am pretty sure I just need to go back to using a canister filter with the crushed oyster shells again. But here is my question/obstacle. The old canister filters had filters that were similar to what you find in those pool filters that you replaced. Long, blue ends, and white. You put a little of the powder in the intake hose and it did its job. I am not sure I understand the new filtration of canister filters and asking someone at PetSmart or other local pet stores.... they just suggest I use tablets like "Algae No More" or give me that "deer lost in the headlights" look.
Anyone familiar with what I am talking about from the past and can give me any guidance on what to purchase that would work with the crushed oyster shells?
After a few years, life happened and I got rid of the tank and all of the equipment. Now I have a 50 gallon and moved to a place where the room is flooded with light. And algae is once again a problem. I have tried tablets, daily water changes.... even emptied the tank completely and tried washing everything. I am pretty sure I just need to go back to using a canister filter with the crushed oyster shells again. But here is my question/obstacle. The old canister filters had filters that were similar to what you find in those pool filters that you replaced. Long, blue ends, and white. You put a little of the powder in the intake hose and it did its job. I am not sure I understand the new filtration of canister filters and asking someone at PetSmart or other local pet stores.... they just suggest I use tablets like "Algae No More" or give me that "deer lost in the headlights" look.
Anyone familiar with what I am talking about from the past and can give me any guidance on what to purchase that would work with the crushed oyster shells?