Algae Chemicals Question

[Ross]

Hello,

My aquarium is near a large window and gets a lot of algae. I am
constantly cleaning it but losing the battle. How safe are the algae
chemicals? I have 10 mixed Malawai's and a few botia's. Which chemical
is best?

Thanks,
Ross

[CanadianCray]

Best thing to do in my opinion would be to get fish or snails that help with
the problem before adding any chemicals to the tank. Because being close to
natural sunlight you will constantly be adding chemicals which can't be good
for your fish on a regular basis. I know it wouldn't be easy with african
cichlids but maybe try adding some plants to the tank to help compete for
the nutrients the algae needs. Even if its just floating at the top.

"Ross" > wrote in message
om...
> Hello,
>
> My aquarium is near a large window and gets a lot of algae. I am
> constantly cleaning it but losing the battle. How safe are the algae
> chemicals? I have 10 mixed Malawai's and a few botia's. Which chemical
> is best?
>
> Thanks,
> Ross

[battlelance]

On Tue, 16 Mar 2004 19:17:14 -0500, "CanadianCray"
> wrote:

>Best thing to do in my opinion would be to get fish or snails that help with
>the problem before adding any chemicals to the tank. Because being close to
>natural sunlight you will constantly be adding chemicals which can't be good
>for your fish on a regular basis. I know it wouldn't be easy with african
>cichlids but maybe try adding some plants to the tank to help compete for
>the nutrients the algae needs. Even if its just floating at the top.

I agree, don't bother with expensive bottles of alge destroyer or
something like it.

Put the fish in a bucket, drain the water, and move it away from
sunlight. A very free way of controlling alge :)

[Ross]

battlelance > wrote in message >...
> On Tue, 16 Mar 2004 19:17:14 -0500, "CanadianCray"
> > wrote:
>
> >Best thing to do in my opinion would be to get fish or snails that help with
> >the problem before adding any chemicals to the tank. Because being close to
> >natural sunlight you will constantly be adding chemicals which can't be good
> >for your fish on a regular basis. I know it wouldn't be easy with african
> >cichlids but maybe try adding some plants to the tank to help compete for
> >the nutrients the algae needs. Even if its just floating at the top.
>
> I agree, don't bother with expensive bottles of alge destroyer or
> something like it.
>
> Put the fish in a bucket, drain the water, and move it away from
> sunlight. A very free way of controlling alge :)


Thanks for the posts. I will probably find a new place for the tank
this weekend. Didn't know if the algaecides were any good - sounds
like no. I hate to load up the tank with chemicals.

Thanks,
Ross

[Fishman]

"Ross" > wrote in message
om...
> Hello,
>
> My aquarium is near a large window and gets a lot of algae. I am
> constantly cleaning it but losing the battle. How safe are the algae
> chemicals? I have 10 mixed Malawai's and a few botia's. Which chemical
> is best?
>
> Thanks,
> Ross

Get some curtains up
or
Paint the back and sides of the tank black - ensure good ventilation while
paint dries.
or
Cut up some black bin liners and tape over the sides and back of the tank.

Eaiser than moving the tank!

[battlelance]

On 17 Mar 2004 19:03:31 -0800, (Ross) wrote:


>Thanks for the posts. I will probably find a new place for the tank
>this weekend. Didn't know if the algaecides were any good - sounds
>like no. I hate to load up the tank with chemicals.

Well, I'm not saying they don't work - they probably do or they
wouldn't be permitted to sell them.

For the price, I would just move the tank. Not only will it keep
sunlight out of your tank, but it will help avoid temperature
fluxuations on those hot summer days.

That's my 0.02 :)