[hoppycalif]

Here is an interesting post from Tom Barr's forum, http://www.barrreport.com/general-p...algae-killer-chemical-yes-its-very-cheap.html

I just ordered some of this stuff to try it out. If it is effective and doesn't do a lot of harm to other tank occupants it could be a staple in our chemicals cabinets.

 

[rahamen]

But, it adds Na to the tank, isn't it?
rgds

 

[Fortuna Wolf]

Eh, a bit of Na, but much less, about 3 times less sodium by weight than salt. Just do a water change.

What it is is oxiclean or oxi-boost btw, if you feel inclined to go out there and try it out real quick.

 

[Sunstar]

I'll keep this in mind.

 

[Ravenous]

I have been having a problem with thread algea in all three of my tanks so I'm pretty darn excited to give this a try. If anybody else does this, I look forward to hearing how it works.

 

[Tex Gal]

The thread continued to state that this is the active ingredient in products such as Oxiclean. No one here is actually recommending using OXiclean, are they?

At 1.5 tablespoons per 100 gallons with water changes before and after 2 hour treatmens (filtration and water current off) it sound pretty easy to use. If floats down and lays on the leaves, rocks etc. The up side of this is supposed to be that the crystals stay in contact with the algae creating peroxide killing it.

I just ordered some from here. It's much cheaper than excel. Excel doesn't work well for some thread algae.
http://www.chemistrystore.com/Chemicals_S_Z-Sodium_Percarbonate.html

 

[hoppycalif]

Texgal, when we get our sodium percarbonate we should start a thread covering our experiments with it. It's too bad you have to order at least 4 pounds of the stuff at a time, probably a lifetime+ supply for any of us. If this is helpful stuff I hope to repackage my supply in much smaller quantities and provide it at cost to members of our local plant club who want to try it. Of course, it may not work, but why worry about that now???

 

[bradac56]

Where does it say you have to buy two 2lb jars?

- Brad

 

[Fortuna Wolf]

This is the same stuff as oxiclean. You can use oxiclean if you have it already. You don't need to buy 4 pounds to experiment with.

 

[bradac56]

This is the same stuff as oxiclean. You can use oxiclean if you have it already. You don't need to buy 4 pounds to experiment with.

I looked at the patent for OxyClean it's got several soap additives besides the Sodium percarbonate
so I don't think I'd do that with live fish in the tank. If I only have to buy one 2lb jar I'll probably
do it.

- Brad

 

[hoppycalif]

Brad, when I tried to purchase one 2 pound can, it refused the order, because the minimum order is $10, and one can is just $5.50. That isn't really a problem since it is so cheap, just an annoyance. I chose not to try the commercial products because I know those are always "improved" with additives, like perfumes, soap, dyes, etc. and since the product is not meant to be used in an aquarium they have no reason not to do that. The pure chemical is certain to be just what it says it is, within the purity limits.

 

[Fortuna Wolf]

Hm, the MSDS for oxiclean doesn't show the additives. I forgot that sometimes you can look at the patent and get more data.

 

[Tex Gal]

Hoppy, I'll be glad to help in any way I can. I can sure share my experience! What a good idea about repackaging it and sharing! I also had to order 4 lbs. Like you said it's pretty cheap.

H2O2 is cheap but I can't keep it in extreme contact with the leaves, rocks, etc. I think it's worth a try for plants like anubias and other slow growers. Much better than taking them out of the tank and bleaching them. Bleach is so harsh on the leaves.

I wouldn't use any of the commercial cleaning products either because of the possible additives. That's why I thought it would be worth mentioning....

 

[hoppycalif]

Tex Gal, I hope you realize that we will be a cinch for the Nobel Prize in Aquatics if this works well! I may just go out and buy a new Prius with my share of the prize money.

 

[bradac56]

Hm, the MSDS for oxiclean doesn't show the additives. I forgot that sometimes you can look at the patent and get more data.

Yea I was recently arguing with a few people in another forum over Prime vs Stress Coat and
got the typical fanboy response when I said just buy whatever is the cheapest. The old argument
came up that Stress Coat really doesn't have a de-chloramine remover so we finally looked up the
patent and low-and-behold it has diazolidinyl urea which is a formaldehyde releaser that acts as a
bonding agent to remove chloramine.

The only place API, Seachem, everyone has to give there full ingredient list is in the patent filing
which is the best place to look (if there is one).

- Brad

 

[bradac56]

Brad, when I tried to purchase one 2 pound can, it refused the order, because the minimum order is $10, and one can is just $5.50. That isn't really a problem since it is so cheap, just an annoyance. I chose not to try the commercial products because I know those are always "improved" with additives, like perfumes, soap, dyes, etc. and since the product is not meant to be used in an aquarium they have no reason not to do that. The pure chemical is certain to be just what it says it is, within the purity limits.

Well if it works I'm not sure how I'm going to use up 4lbs of the stuff but your right it'll be worth the price.

- Brad

 

[epicfish]

I sent them an email to see if theirs was pure:
https://secure25.securewebsession.c...ry.com/LodiWineLab/products.asp?category_id=6

http://shop.texasnaturalsupply.ieasysite.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=NAPER

 

[Squawkbert]

FWIW - it has taken weeks, but I'm finally starting to get a handle on my Clado algae, at least in the deeper parts of my 46g tank by dosing ~1mL/5g of Metricide 14 (roughly equivalent to Excel).

I'll have to look into this... I've thought about this sort of reaction before too, but I never really investigated it. I'd found Metricide to be cheap, and at least to ground cover, it's easy to target dose w/ a long transfer pipet.

 

[mulita]

Hoppy, Tex Gal.
I will support you nomination for the Nobel if this works!. I will be getting some for you guys if it works. If this is effective it will be the most easy applying and smooth on plants treatment.

 

[BryceM]

Subscribed....... watching with curiosity.

opcorn: