Dosing Excel for algae too risky?

WeedCali

WeedCali

Certified Dubhead
Dec 14, 2009
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Adam
Im beginning to think im getting a hair algae problem. i dosed Algaefix twice already and im not seeing much of a difference. i already have a bottle of Excel but i dont use it because i have vals. and thats my main concern.

About how long does it take for excel to fix the problem? could i do it without killing off my vals?

:feedback:
 
Where is the black hair algae growing? One of my tanks used to be infested with it. I haven't had the problem lately. A plant can produce ammonia and the algae can tend to grow on the direct source of the problem.

I have found that two things in general cause algae. Ammonia and certain lights.
 
Just try the normal recommended dose and you should be fine. Don't expect the Excel to work magic overnight. It usually takes weeks to see the difference. Try increasing your water changes and reduce the lighting, as well. Keep in mind that algae usually grows on older plant leaves...especially any damaged ones. Remove these leaves as soon as algae starts to grow on them.
 
How are the plants producing ammonia though? i dont understand that. i only have a single 24" 20w Flora-Glo tube for lighting on about 8hrs a day. this algae is hainly growing on the vals but there a little on the hygro too. in fact, im pretty sure this algae started on the vals.
 
Is the algae black or green? can you post pics?

Do more frequent water changes. What is you current WC amount and schedule?

Excel the regular dose after the WC. The vals may not be happy until after you stop or overdose. What other ferts are you adding?

Adding an anti algae chemical to the tank may get rid of it, but you need to find the cause or it will come back. The chemicals will not kill all kinds.

How old is the bulb? It should be replaced every 9 months.
 
I've personally never had a problem with Vals and excel, even with double-dosing. You can try using a bulb syringe to direct the Excel to the leaves most affected. Even consider doing it directly on leaves that can be exposed during water changes.

I would guess, though, that your problem is one of insufficient light rather than too much or too long. A 20 watt bulb, isn't going to be enough for any tank larger than 10 gallons.
 
FishPish said:
Where is the black hair algae growing? One of my tanks used to be infested with it. I haven't had the problem lately. A plant can produce ammonia and the algae can tend to grow on the direct source of the problem.

I have found that two things in general cause algae. Ammonia and certain lights.
Click to expand...


uh... what? maybe a dead and rotten plant.. but a growing plant is NOT going to be an ammonia source. not sure where that came about. If you have measurable ammonia in your water column in an established tank, you're either not cycled, or overstocked.

careful with products such as algaefix, since a lot of them contain copper, which is highly poisonous to any invertebrates you might be keeping in the tank.

Personally, I recommend measuring and adjusting your light intensity/time, co2, nitrate levels, and any ferts, to ensure a balance of nutrients and light in your tank. Excel may be "known" to help with algae problems, but usually only in an overdose situation, and that in itself makes me wary of even thinking about it.
 
Algaefix or copper which is all it is............is far more lethal than Excel and offers little to the plants which gets at the root issue why you have algae in the first place.

So Excel is a much better choice there.
Look at what grows a plant well, then focus more on that, then algae is much less of an issue:thm:

Regards,
Tom Barr
 
i do WCs every friday about 35%. ive had 4 18w 6500k CFLs for the longest time but ive never been able to install them.

Then i guess ill start dosing excel.
 
OK, began my Excel dosing regiment today. i think im going to start doing a half a cap everyday. or is that too much?
 
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