algae problem

[cravy]

How can i get rid of the hair algae on my java moss. I tried to use a tooth brush to take them off but of course they still come back. It there any ways or fishes/shrimps that eat them? I readed somewhere that gold barb eats hair algae, is that true? And how can i get rid of the green spot algae on my plants and glass?

[murphys33]

buy something like 20 yamatoes and dump the shrimps in there - i had algae problem when i rescaped my 1mth old tank... went with yamatoes and managed to clear the bulk of algae - still have some though but think that will really depend on how my plants can compete with the algae.

[bclee]

Get the nutrient dosage right and the CO2 level right.

Read this: List of Recommended Levels by Tom Barr

Add some algae eaters. That's about all you need.

BC

[vinz]

It is possible to control algae without algae eaters.

I can't put too many algae eating fish and shrimp in my arowana planted tank because they'll become arowana snacks. Right now, I only have 4 SAEs and 5 Otos maintaining a 6 ft tank. Tankfully, I have snails to help, though I rather have less of them.

[cravy]

I have 1 SAE, 3 oto and malayian triumph snails.

[bclee]

Algae eaters are secondary solution to algae problem. Need to tackle the nutrients and CO2 first.

BC

[cravy]

i just bought a co2 tank.. do i need a ph and kh tester to check my c02 level? or is there other ways to do it?

[bclee]

Need to know at least the pH. Can read the other thread "CO2 level without KH measurement".

BC

[Fireball]

Hi there,

I always read that oto and yamato shrimps can help to reduce the algae, but certainly those oto and yamato shrimps that I have don't seem to be doing their job. The green aglae is growing on the glass of my tank. I think I can see some brown algae too. The otos that I have even feed on the brine shrimps that I give to my fishes. How to I train the oto and yamato to feed on the algae instead?

[]

[bclee]

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On 9/9/2003 5:35:44 PM

Hi there,

I always read that oto and yamato shrimps can help to reduce the algae, but certainly those oto and yamato shrimps that I have don't seem to be doing their job. The green aglae is growing on the glass of my tank. I think I can see some brown algae too. The otos that I have even feed on the brine shrimps that I give to my fishes. How to I train the oto and yamato to feed on the algae instead?

[]
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Otos and yamato will feed on algae. But do not expect them to totally wipe out your algae.

For permanant solution, you got to tackle it from the nutrient and CO2.

BC

[vinz]

Ppl are quick to blame the algae crew for not dong their jobs, but seldom consider that the algae is growing faster then the crew can handle them.

IME, otos do not seem to eat anything but algae.

Also remember, just because you can't see them, it does not mean the algae isn't there. Otos are constantly scraping off microscopic algae before they grow big enough for the human eye to see.

As BC said, the real key is to control your lights, CO2 and ferts.