[Wet Thumb Forum]-substrate algae?

[Hawkeye]

I had some algae growing on my substrate so I took it out and let the substrate dry out. Then rubbing in between my fingers I can turn most of the algae into dust and then rinsing off. If I add this substrate back to my tank is the algae going to grow back on it? The tank is back in balance now. The substrate is Eco-Complete, at the cost of this stuff I try to save as much as I can.

Hawk

[Hawkeye]

I had some algae growing on my substrate so I took it out and let the substrate dry out. Then rubbing in between my fingers I can turn most of the algae into dust and then rinsing off. If I add this substrate back to my tank is the algae going to grow back on it? The tank is back in balance now. The substrate is Eco-Complete, at the cost of this stuff I try to save as much as I can.

Hawk

[McKee]

If there's algae in the substrate, there's algae elsewhere in the tank. Your best bet is treating the issues that are allowing the algae to grow instead of trying to remove the stuff that is visible. Ferts/lighting/water quality, etc.

[Hawkeye]

The parameters have all ready be fixed. What I am asking is if algae can grow back after drying out in substrate when its put back into any tank.

Hawk

[Roger Miller]

Hawk,

I think that depends on exactly what the algae is. I think some kinds will come back after drying. The best way to find out is to try it. I have an algae that grows attached to my substrate that I suspect would come back after an atomic blast.


Roger Miller

[noah_greenberg]

For what its worth, if you dry the substrate out quickly, the algae will not have time to pruduce dormancy capable cells in response to their changing environment.

This being said, there could be some algae sexually reporducing at all times and some sporecs could stay attaced. A short blast in the oven or in the stock pot would most likely take care of this issue. Unfortunately, these spores can remain capable of breaking dormancy for more than 50 years so letting it sit to dry for longer periods of time is not a great option.

[Hawkeye]

I wonder if I bleach it if that would kill any spores? After a good rinsing would the substrate be OK to add back to the tank? Normally I wouldn't go thru the hassle but Eco-Complete is going up in price all the time. With up rooting plants for selling and tank redoes I would like to same as much of this stiff as I can.

Hawk

[noah_greenberg]

My concern with the bleach treatment is that ecocomplete is manufactured to absorb nutrients which it leaches out over a period of time. to the benefit of our plants. Would this porous nature allow Chlorine to be absorbed into the gravel and leach out into your tank even after it has been rinsed. A series of 24 hour water bahts would certainly help reduce this possibility. Im not sure if the potential damage is worth the risk.

[Hawkeye]

Thanks Noah,
I guess I'll just keep saving it, letting it dry out. When I get a good amount saved up I then may just put it a test tank and see what happens.

Hawk