Question Regarding Algae Eaters & Planted Tanks

You can always start without one, but in my experience thus far..at some point you will NEED one!

 

a snail will not help.
bristlenose pleco>Siamese Algae Eater/flying fox

 

The thing with algae is that it is a balance issue. You have to maintain the proper balance between lighting and nutrients. If you achieve this, you will have minimal to none in the tank.

For example, about the only algae that I get now is green spot and that is due to phosphate level. I pretty much have it wiped out in all the tanks but two.

 

I can happily say I am finally algae free myself.
Try seachem Phos Gaurd James...worked extremely well and fast for me!

But again rosek, having a maint. crew definately can't hurt.

 

Oh that's right...I almost forgot about you using the dry method.

Mines beginning to fill in quite nicely...posting any new picts of yours soon James?

 

hopefully things will get settled back down. I glanced at a few of last night and they are a mess...pure jungle.

 

<--had that issue with the cambomba...now that it's gone things are going MUCH better!

 

ottos are like 2 bucks at petsmart where I live

 

Try Flourish Excel. It is meant as a carbon source for photosynthesis, but it also has anti-algae properties.

 

The more plants your tank has the less nutrients there are available for algae to use. I had an 80g tank that was heavily planted and I never had to worry about any algae growth. If the plants are growing too much then you can just cut back on the length of light cycle you are running so you don't have to trim much.

 

Oto catfish will leave your plants alone and ONLY eat algae! They dont eat plant matter at all!

Most other algae eaters will nibble on the foliage if they wanted to and your "regular" plecos could cause a lot of damage to your plants when grown up...

Oto Catfish will help.... Like said though plants will out compete the algae if there are enough of the in the tank

 

Wellllll...they'll eat zuccinni like it's going out of style.

Sry Lem...couldn't resist.

 

Bristlenose plecos, amano shrimp, oto's., and siamese algae eaters/flying fox work well!

 

This killed all my Gertrudea rainbows. do not over use or over dose. and i would highly recommend you test it on some small or delicate fish.

Ive heard these SAE once they get a few years old they become large and an annoyance. They will stop grazing for algea and rely on tabs etc. At times they compete with other bottom feeders for food and space. Anyone know?

Ive wanted one but ive read this more then once...

 

I've read that too, but mine are descent size (photos in my signature if you follow the link) and they still are grazing...but as with any species will greatfully accept an algae tab if given the chance ime.

 

I miss my SAE. He decided one day to see what life was all about on the other side. <sniff>

He never bothered a soul in tank. Was very peacefull