|
|
News & Reviews Article
| Title |
The Golden Path To Evicting Algae |
| Author |
Sheridan Henson
|
| Last Updated |
2014-12-20
|
| Abstract |
Ecological balance is the goal when dealing with algae.
|
|
|
The Golden Path To Evicting Algae
by Sheridan W.S. Henson
There must be more algae-ridden tanks on the planet than people. I�m sure there are statistics to prove this, especially with all the customers begging daily for algae relief. Fear not, algae control is easier than many might think. With a few preventive measures and consistent tank maintenance, any tank can follow the golden path to evicting algae.
Algae is not evil. It is not required that all algae be removed from a tank. Algae is not harmful to the health of the fish or the ecosystem. In fact, it acts as any other plant by absorbing nutrients and producing oxygen. Many times, algae can cover unnatural-looking decorations, blending new pieces of decor with the rest of the tank. It�s only when algae covers glass or smothers leaves that it officially becomes the enemy. Ecological balance is the goal when dealing with algae.
Before dumping chemicals into the tank and loading grandfather�s shotgun, there are a few preventive measures needed before committing any destructive or possibly illegal acts. Start by regulating the light cycle. Lights should remain on for only 6 to 8 hours on a set schedule; that is, lights should burn the same time of day, every day. It doesn�t matter what part of the day they burn, as long as they burn in a consistent pattern. Also, don�t forget to keep all direct (if possible, any indirect) sunlight from shining on the tank.
Have tap water and tank water checked for phosphates. Phosphates feed decorative plants and algae, alike. Keeping phosphates down to acceptable, low levels will allow decorative plants to compete with algae for nutrients, forcing algae to die off. If tap water is used in aquariums, phosphate buildup will undoubtedly ensue. Many municipal water supplies are high in phosphates. If phosphates are a problem, there are a few effective ways to brings them down to acceptable levels. Stop using tap water and switch to reverse osmosis (R/ 0) water. R/ 0 water is filtered water with the majority of phosphates removed. Many aquarium stores offer R/ O water by the gallon, but companies like AquaLife offer cost effective and effecient units for home use with water line connections, kitchen sink and garden hose adapters, and replaceable cartridges. A more costly method is using phosphate removers in the running filter of the tank. Seachem�s Phosguard, Poly-Bio Marine�s Poly Filter, and Carib Sea�s PhosBuster are excellent products to absorb or remove phosphates from the tank. Unfortunately, these products are used continually with tap water, since water changes and top-offs bring an everlasting supply of phosphates.
Among the many plant nutrients, nitrate is a leading source of algae problems. Nitrates are controlled by doing frequent partial water changes. 10% weekly for community tanks or 30% monthly for lesser populated tanks slowly flush nitrates out and allow deep gravel cleaning to pull out decaying food, plant matter, and fish waste. Nitrates come from waste and decay; therefore, feed fish sparingly with one, three-minute feeding per day. Maintaining a fresh supply of carbon in the filter will ensure that the filter absorbs any dissolved organics. Remember that nitrates come from decaying organics. Changing out carbon once a month will help lower nitrates.
Competition is always a great method of elimination. Decorative live plants compete for the same nutrients as algae. Increasing their numbers and following all the preventive steps listed previously will ensure a plant-dominant tank with algae receding or disappearing. Adding algae and waste-eating fish will also add a competitive drive between algae living and fish eating. Smaller tanks can house Dwarf Otocinclus Catfish and Cory Cats, while larger tanks will need Bristle Nose Pleco�s in community tanks and Labeotropheus for cichlid tanks.
Lastly, depend on quality tools for algae cleaning. Kent Marine carries and Tom (Oscar) a whole array of scrapers for acrylic and glass tanks; easy and hard-to-get algae. Best of all, Kent Marine Scrapers have replaceable blade heads, which means the frugal algae killer will not break the bank. Another wonderful product for algae scraping is the Mag-Float. This little device allows cleaning from the outside of the tank, leaving hands and floors dry while the inside of the tank is scrubbed free of algae. A great product to prevent the growth of unicellular algae, the type of algae related to green water problems, is the Ultra-Violet Light Filter
|
|
|
|
