by 3 hours ago
ANSWERS: 6
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You should first be aware that not all algae is ``bad''; Algae, like plants, feed off nutrients in the tank, so a good crop of regularly-harvested algae can help keep the pollution levels in check (this is the principle behind ALGAL SCRUBBER filtration). Likewise, algae plagues are usually symptoms of overfeeding or not enough water changes. The best thing to do is to learn what is causing the plague, and eliminate that cause. Test your nitrate and/or ammonia. Increase your water change volume and/or frequency, or feed your fish less. There are also a number of chemical remedies for specific algae types, and algae-eating fish which will consume some algaes. For full details, including specific remedies, please consult the ALGAE SECTION of the DISEASE FAQ. -
Keep a shorter light cycle. Get an outlet timer to plug your light into and set it for 8 hours. Try less if you still have problems after a few weeks. Make sure the tank isn't set up where it will receive direct sunlight, this can cause major algae problems. You could try getting a plecostamous. You need to keep in mind that these plecos can get rather large, I have seen some reach 8 inches. They also need algae, if your tank doesn't have enough and it's starving you need to supplement algae wafers.
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all the answers are good, but the heart needs to be addressed. algae needs three things to grow; light, nutrients(this can be fish food or fish waste), and phosphates. take away any one of the three completely and it just dies. so as well as a shorter photoperiod, (less daytime), and less feeding/more water changes, a phosphate absorbing resin can be purchased at any half decent pet store. you can get it in bag or filter sponge form. (i prefer the filter sponge form because it's usually cut to fit and it fits in any filter).
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One poster is right, not all algae is bad. But it can be unsightly and a pain to deal with if it plugs the filters up. I have always liked beneficial bacteria at least for starters. It may be enough to keep the pond clean. If it's not, there are a ton of other ways to go about algae control. Things like adding more plants, filtration systems like uv or bio filters, ultrasonic algae control, and a variety of products all work at one time or another. We found a great resource that has most of these products and discusses how they are used. Visit http://www.pondalgaesolutions.com for more information.
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My favorite way to keep algae under control is to have a Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) algae eating fish in the tank. They're gentle and get along with most other fish. The only problem is they keep growing!
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I've tried EVERYTHING I have read about or have seen in the pet shop to get rid of the algae in my small fish pond, but to no avail. A friend told me about a product he uses in his aquarium that's a miracle. I tried it and it's amazing!! For $3.00 or $4.00 you can go to Walmart and purchase "No More Algae Tank Buddies" made by Jungle Laboratories. They are tablets (eight to a box--treats up to 80 gallons). My pond has never been so clear!! Try it!!
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