algae problem solved with Tetra EasyBalance

[Jason in Oakland]

I have a 12g NanoCube, planted, with 5 frisky golden barbs in it. The
gravel is fluorite, which I assume contributes to the silicate level,
because I have a ton of brown/diatom algae, and growing hair algae
covering the plant surfaces. I usually rub them off, but naturally,
they grow right back, pretty quickly.

I use tap water, buffered with Seachem Alkaline Buffer to pH of about
8.0, 4-5 degrees KH. The biological filter is excellent, no ammonia or
nitrite ever registers, except a tiny bit of ammonia after a water
change (chloramine by-products after AmQuel+)

I started using Tetra's EasyBalance (the "old" one without Nitraban)
to help buffer the water (I still do water changes, about 40% every
1-2 weeks), and have noticed that the algae is disappearing. I checked
the label and there is something that "neutralizes" phosphates.

My tap water doesn't have phosphates in it; it's probably biological
waste contributing to it. But I'm glad to see the algae disappear!

Given that I still do water changes frequently enough, I want to
continue removing phosphates but not touch the nitrates (which are
good for the plants). Eventually, the "old" EasyBalance in stock will
disappear and only the one that includes Nitraban, which "eats up"
nitrates, will be available.

Any other reliable phosphate-destroyers out there, that won't harm
fish or mess with pH/KH?

Thanks!

[Ross Vandegrift]

On 2004-10-07, Jason in Oakland > wrote:
> I have a 12g NanoCube, planted, with 5 frisky golden barbs in it. The
> gravel is fluorite, which I assume contributes to the silicate level,
> because I have a ton of brown/diatom algae, and growing hair algae
> covering the plant surfaces.

I don't have an answer to the question you actually asked, but I did
have great success with diatom algae by upping my lighting. At 20W over
a 20G tank, I have tons of diatom algae growing. The ottos loved it,
but they just couldn't keep up! When I upped my lighting to 40W, the
diatom algae died almost in a single day and never came back.

Of course that doesn't help with the hair algae problem though, so I'd
still look into controlling nutrient levels.

--
Ross Vandegrift


"The good Christian should beware of mathematicians, and all those who
make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians
have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine
man in the bonds of Hell."
--St. Augustine, De Genesi ad Litteram, Book II, xviii, 37

[John...]

"Jason in Oakland" > wrote in message
om...
> I started using Tetra's EasyBalance (the "old" one without Nitraban)

I've been using the new easybalance for about a month
with no problems.water is clear,parameters in range and
my fish look great.No algae problems either.
I added a Fluval 2plus foam filter to supplement my UGF
to remove larger debris and this seems to work ok.
The only water I change is to top up after vaccing the gravel
and to replace water that has evaporated.
Tetra claim water changes are only required after 6 months
when using easybalance,but you have to add it to your tank
every week.In the UK it costs £6.50 for 250ml and this lasts
me for 5 weeks.
Go here for info:

www.tetraeasybalance.co.uk

John






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[Mean_Chlorine]

I am such a cynical old b*stard.

Tetra's never made a product worth the money before, why would they
start now?

I looked at the "FAQ" for this product, and true to form, Tetra
doesn't say what's in it. Most of it's hyperbole (like that water
changes "often don't reduce nitrate or phosphate") or content-free
marketing-speak.

I'm getting the impression this is ammo-lock with added aluminium
hydroxide and bicarbonate. And perhaps ascorbic acid for preservative.

But, as I said, I'm a cynical old *******.

[Jason in Oakland]

Their pH test is nice--the yellow liquid. Their KH test is nice, too.

I think, though, that I'm personally only interested in the
phosphate-lowering aspect of Easybalance...so I'll be looking for
something else.

I feel duped buying Seachem's Alkaline Buffer powder, which is
probably nothing more than baking soda, but I'm afraid of throwing in
regular Arm & Hammer.

I guess we can understand your cynicism, MeanChlorine...

Mean_Chlorine > wrote in message >...
> I am such a cynical old b*stard.
>
> Tetra's never made a product worth the money before, why would they
> start now?
>
> I looked at the "FAQ" for this product, and true to form, Tetra
> doesn't say what's in it. Most of it's hyperbole (like that water
> changes "often don't reduce nitrate or phosphate") or content-free
> marketing-speak.
>
> I'm getting the impression this is ammo-lock with added aluminium
> hydroxide and bicarbonate. And perhaps ascorbic acid for preservative.
>
> But, as I said, I'm a cynical old *******.