From what I've read Fluorish Excel helps in getting rid of algae by making your plants outcompete algae for nutrients. If I start using Fluorish Excel in a 5.5g planted tank which is only 2 weeks old and cycling, will an oto still be a good idea? If the Excel helps keep down the brown algae that otos like, then I don't really see a point in getting one after the tank's cycled.
Fluorish Excel and algae
- Thread starter Bender81
- Start date
I have a newly set up 1g pico. It's really too small to use DIY CO2, so I've opted for Excel, and it's still developing the diatoms typical of a new setup. Excel is known for eliminating hair algae in particular, but AFAIK there's no such thing as a planted tank with no algae at all - when you provide light and nutrients, it's inevitable - it's all about balance, and keeping the algae in check.
If you weren't planning to keep an oto as part of your permanent setup, it's probably easier to remove the diatoms by hand while they're there. IMHO, I think an oto could really be helpful long-term - they eat soft green algae and keep plant leaves clean without damaging them.
If you weren't planning to keep an oto as part of your permanent setup, it's probably easier to remove the diatoms by hand while they're there. IMHO, I think an oto could really be helpful long-term - they eat soft green algae and keep plant leaves clean without damaging them.
Never get a fish you don't want. Proper water changes and adding live plants will help keep algae to a low level. Excel will help too as long as it is in balance with other nutrients.
A lot of fish stores try to talk people into getting algae eaters but they really aren't needed unless you really like them. Also adding an otto to such a small tank means that the tank is that much fuller.
A lot of fish stores try to talk people into getting algae eaters but they really aren't needed unless you really like them. Also adding an otto to such a small tank means that the tank is that much fuller.
Thanks for the replies. I'm gonna grab some Excel and see how things go after my cycles's complete (0 ammonia, high nitrites atm). The pics of otos resting on leaves look pretty cute actually, so I'll probably try one out anyways since algae is inevitable.