Algone - Opinions

[m.dekort]

This product seems to be the miracle cure for algae - even in planted tanks.

Any thoughts?

[Bill Kirkpatrick]

"Miracle cure", uh huh.

Their site makes some odd claims...

"Algone enhances the aquariums ability to break down waste
more effectively."

Ok, but, established tanks are really quite good at that
already.

and...

"Algone stimulates micro-bacterial activity by optimizing
the dissolved oxygen content in the aquarium.

I'm not sure how one might "optimize" DO, or do it from
inside a pouch. But, if you aren't saturated and want to
be, a nice air stone or a little surface agitation would do
a fine job.

They sure don't go into much detail otherwise, either.

**********************
Under their Ammonia "fix" section, they suggest
"Microorganisms contained within the pouch will feed off
nitrogen compounds" as part of their plan.

I'm not sure why you'd have to dose "Microorganisms" on an
ongoing basis.

***********************
For their Nitrate "fix" they suggest "Microorganisms
contained within the pouch will feed off nitrogen
compounds". Uh huh. Two problems there.

I know of no "Microorganism" that will consume Nitrate in
the presence oxygen, at least of any significant utility in
an aquarium filter. But, then, if you read closely they
cleverly switch from "nitrate" back to "nitrogen compounds".

***********************
In their "Real Algae Control" "fix" they say

"Algone controls nutrients. Effectively absorbing excess
nitrates, thus making it unavailable for the algae to
consume. Controlling nutrients will control the algae growth
.... controlling vs. destroying is the only method of keeping
the aquarium naturally balanced."

Ok it absorbs nitrates. But, "controls nutrients"? What
these "Microorganisms" have little test kits and dose what
you need? Which, of the few, nutrient management regimens
do they subscribe to?

BTW, aquariums aren't "naturally balanced". You have
lights, filters, feed them, dose them, clean them, change
their water, pump 'em full of air. All remarkably
un-natural and hideously un-balanced. Who changes 10-15% of
the ocean every two weeks?

************************
From the marketing alone - I wouldn't touch the stuff.



************************
m.dekort wrote:
> This product seems to be the miracle cure for algae - even in planted
> tanks.
>
> Any thoughts?
>