Snails are your friends.

[asincero]

So, I bought 3 yo-yo loaches to handle what I perceived to be a snail problem. Now, about a month later, there isn't a snail to be seen any where. Unfortunately, I now have somewhat of an algae problem . It's the hideous black beard algae too. It's on everything. On the plants. On the rocks. It's ... just ... hideous.

I got the green stuff that grows on the sides of the tank too. It's easy enough to scrape away, but I don't remember having to do that as much when I had the "snail problem".

I cut back feedings to just once a day. I keep the lights on 12 hours a day. But the algae remains. I think the amazon swords I have in the tank are just about done. Every leaf is covered with the beard algae. I was kind of hoping the mollies I have in the tank would help me out here, but they're not making much progress.

I'm guessing it's not a coincidence that the minute the snails go away, algae sets in full force. Argh! Hind sight is always 20/20. I think next time I'll keep the snails!

 

[daveedka]

I'm guessing it's not a coincidence that the minute the snails go away, algae sets in full force. Argh! Hind sight is always 20/20. I think next time I'll keep the snails!

Bingo!!!!, Whiule there is no substitute for maintenance and balance, the snails will keep things in check and fine tune the look of the tank. Instead of having an algea outbreak, you might have a jump in snail population to let you know something is amiss. I love the job myu snails do in my tanks.

dave