Good algae info

[Aeon]

http://www.jbl.de/uk/aqua/uk_algen.html

[Plantbrain]

They don't tell you what you need to know, they only sell stuff that is used to get rid of algae.

That's bad advice based on making money, not helping you keep and maintain an algae free lush planted tank.

You need to focus on the plant's needs, then you don';t have algae and you don't need all those products.

Wonder why they don't tell you that part?
Money.

Many have added NO3 quite high and PO4 with no algae growth.
If these are tested critically, these don't cause algae blooms, often something else like CO2 is not in a good range, varies etc so they assume it's NO3/PO4 rather than looking at it critically.

No maker has really looked at PO4/NO3/NH4 critically to my knowledge although they may present like they have done such research, but care must be taken when reviewing papers in this area with plants and algae together.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[Aeon]

It's pretty good if you don't look at their advice on using their products to remove.

[cheeboonyong]

Aeon, I think you're missing the point. The whole idea is to minimise the possibility of any algae outbreaks. I don't think it's possible to entirely PREVENT algae growth but it's certainly possible to minimise it.

This article talks about removing NO3, PO4, blah blah. I don't care how you remove it, either using their products or otherwise. The issue here is: why remove it? Why not minimise the conditions in the first place? And again, the assumption here is that NO3, PO4, in excess causes algae. And Tom's point is that it has not been proven scientifically beyond doubt.

And the last point by Tom on plants and algae together is very telling. If you remove ALL N, or all of any other nutrients, good chance that the algae will die. So will the plants.

[Aeon]

Information need not be followed exactly, if you can use some of it, it's useful, at least for me.

Anything that helps, is helpful. I'm not trying to compare who's method or info is best or wat...

[TanVincent]

Adding on to the link....

http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Algae/red-algae.html
This is for control of red algae

http://www.aquaticscape.com/articles/algae.htm
This is for algae identification

Cheers
Vincent

[budak]

Hi Aeon,

With all respect, I don't quite think this is a matter of taking what you want from the data.

A great number of folks here have, through personal experience and experimentation, found that the conventional wisdom of algae in planted aquaria being caused by high NO3 and PO4 is hogwash. Furthermore, resorting to proprietary algae treatments doesn't do anything to help prevent the conditions that led to the algae in the first place.

There is always a place for different opinions in many things, but junk science (and much 'science' from folks who are trying to sell something) needs to be countered.

but perhaps you could share what information you found useful on that website, and we could discuss it for the benefit of all forummers.

[djXpire]

Yes, prevention is better then cure! I agree no more....

Read: http://novia.com.sg/forums/index.php...st=0#entry6612

[Aeon]

[quote:d8429c040a="TanVincent"]Adding on to the link....

http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Algae/red-algae.html
This is for control of red algae

http://www.aquaticscape.com/articles/algae.htm
This is for algae identification

Cheers
Vincent[/quote:d8429c040a]

The identification link is really good. Thanks!

[Plantbrain]

Here's a few things to think about.

Do you need an alagicide to grow a nice looking plant tank?(no)
Do good plant tank keepers use these products?(no)
Is a tank ever algaicide limited?(no)
Do algaicides grow plants?(no)

It's a bit like the old dental plan, do you brush your teeth routinely(fertilize, take care of the plants) or do you wait till you have a cavity and then go to the dentist(kill algae)?

The concept is simple but desperate people will spend 5$ to fix things and they focus too much on highly visible algae growth and less so on the plant growth and health.

So if you get the urge to spend 5$, spend 5$ to me at:
12 Apopka lane,
Hoodooville, Swamp state
USA


There is one type of algae killing device I do endorse, but it's not cheap.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[PeterGwee]

LOL....

Regards
Peter Gwee

[budak]

How mucha of that ol' rattlesnake oyl would that $5 getcha?

[loupgarou]

There is one type of algae killing device I do endorse, but it's not cheap.

is that the patent pending algae destroying UV laser?

[Aeon]

[quote:691d92739a="Plantbrain"]Here's a few things to think about.

Do you need an alagicide to grow a nice looking plant tank?(no)
Do good plant tank keepers use these products?(no)
Is a tank ever algaicide limited?(no)
Do algaicides grow plants?(no)

It's a bit like the old dental plan, do you brush your teeth routinely(fertilize, take care of the plants) or do you wait till you have a cavity and then go to the dentist(kill algae)?

The concept is simple but desperate people will spend 5$ to fix things and they focus too much on highly visible algae growth and less so on the plant growth and health.

So if you get the urge to spend 5$, spend 5$ to me at:
12 Apopka lane,
Hoodooville, Swamp state
USA


There is one type of algae killing device I do endorse, but it's not cheap.

Regards,
Tom Barr[/quote:691d92739a]

It worked for me... pardon me as I'm still quite an amateur and I admit I'm kinda desperate trying to salvage my tank under tight budget constraints. I do try my best to keep my plants healthy, that's why I come here.

Even you are one skilled and experienced aquarist, your sarcasm isn't too polite for a fellow forumer, but of course I still appreciate your tips and I do find them helpful.

[budak]

Aeon, I am sure Plantbrain meant no malice... his observation of many people wanting quick chemical fixes for algae is unfortunately true. He's already provided a cheap, simple solution...... make sure you have a high enough CO2 level (20-30 ppm) and dose your NPK (a bottle of each fertiliser from Dr. Mallick will last you for years) and micros (Dr. Mallick again) weekly. It doesn't come cheaper than that, and gets rid of most common algae (green spot, hair, thread, BBA).

I think it's safe to say as well, that the people who have the most to offer can often be the most prickly as well (for good reason). If you refuse to take any online comment personally (it can't hurt nothing but one's ego), you'll find life less stressful.

[Aeon]

Actually I didn't want 'quick chemical fixes', like you guys I want my plants to get real good care but as a learner, I make mistakes and then seek knowledge from others. I thank you guys for the information you have shared.

How can I get the stuff from Dr Mallick? I'm going for the Planted Tank workshop by ecoculture. I'll see him there right?

I've been online for long enough and forums and discussions, IRC, etc... are nothing new to me so I do know that one should take it too seriously, common knowledge. But people sometimes forget, human nature.

[Plantbrain]

Aeon,
You are not the direction of the sarcasm and it's much lighter in nature than the typing may suggest.
Typing is left open to misinterptation, but asking rather than assuming I am being mean etc is always the right method if you are ever not sure.

There are VERY few folks that are just plain mean, I assume folks are good natured. I am serious about many things, so I need some balance
with humor.

It was not at your expense and I aplogize if you took it that way or felt it was.

It's a very old story, new or intermediate plant hobbyist all seem to go down this route. I and others will laugh about it, but to you it's serious business. You are "kinda desperate" and I remember being there.
I acknowledged your desperation and I asked for your $(jokingly) for the advice vs selling you something that will not do anything to solve the issue over the long term.

That's the point with Algaicides: It's like responding back to trolls on USENET etc, don't feed them otherwise they will not go away.
Don't buy algicides and they will go away.
Some will take advice, some will be hard headed and try them anyway.
You can guess which group I'm in there

But I joking say send me the $ since it's only 5$, and many use this "it's only 5$" rational for buying the algaicide and "maybe it'll work".
Well maybe it will and maybe it will nopt, I do know if you have cetrtain ranges of parameters, the plants will grow, when that occurs, then the algae will not grow.
And I don't charge 5$

I think many folks get shopping "urges" and need reminded sometimes, to simply go back to the basics and laugh those shopping urges off.
Doesn't seem to work with my significant other But she's a good gal there anyway

The tank workshop will really help and improve your success more than anything. You'll really enjoy that and also meet folks and this is always fun and good.

I have folks try to piss me off all the time on line...but I just stick to the issue, rather than the personalities. People are hardheaded, some obsessive, some need someone to tell them 20 times to add PO4, but all are good underneath ultilmately and cool. Some are pest to most folks but I keep helping them till they get things right.

Often there are lurkers that have many of the same issues and personal issues with their tanks so when they hear the some thing stated 5 different ways, eventually something will "click".

I am very stubborn, but this is good when helping others and not giving up on plants, methods, issues with algae etc.

Unless someone proves beyond a reasonable doubt they are a turkey, I keep the door open and try not to assume too much.

One post or two are often not enough to tell what someone is like, a few exchanges is often needed and achieving their goal often seals the deal even if you are onerous, cantankerous and a crumudgeon

The algal killer I like is an ultrasonic device that implodes the algal cells vacuole, they run 675-1200$ USD, they kill the algae but don't harm larger plants. Made primarily for ponds, lakes etc.

A smaller device using a modified fogging unit should be suitable for aquariums for about 60-100$ USD.

But it still will not grow your plants
But is much eaiser to use and much better than a UV, the speaker effects all the surfaces and algae in the entire tank, UV only deals with what passes through it.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[crandf]

Hi, Tom, do you know if the ultrasonic device keep away mosquitos/dragonfly/damselfly/lizards/etc too? And will it be suitable for for homes with pets with sensitive hearing?

Thanks

[TanVincent]

I would like one that would drop all the mosquitoes in my aprtment dead...render them lifeless, implode their veins (if they have any)....grrrr

Cheers
Vincent

[loupgarou]

A smaller device using a modified fogging unit should be suitable for aquariums for about 60-100$ USD.

I already have one of these...so simple passthrough of tank water will do?

does your $675 algae killing unit kill bBA (that apparently can survive copper treatment..)