I have previously brought in several different types of algae into my tanks on plants. Some of these plants, like the tiger val, don't take well to bleaching.
I typically sterilize my plants of snails and snail eggs with kitchen alum, then I soak for 15 minutes in a solution of Jungle Clear Water (potassium permangenate) for bacteria/parasites. Neither of these cover algae.
Since Algae Fix claims to be aquarium plant friendly, would it make sense to quarantine the plants for a week or so and dose the tank with Algae Fix?
I'm thinking more in terms of when you have a new tank are are introducing the plants.
I have a 20 long that is just over 2 years. It was free of hair & beard algae until I brought home plants from Pet Smart. They acknowledged a month later that they had a problem with these types of algaes. By then it was too late. I hadn't seen the fine strands on the leaves. It was out of control until I figured out how to keep it in check. I can't seem to eliminate it completely, but it has not overtaken the tank.
Ammonia/nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 5-15ppm with weekly 20% changes.
Phos: less than 0.5
pH: 7.6/7.7
gH: 100ppm
kH: 65ppm (5.6 dH)
I'm making plans for a 7 gallon (mini-bow 7) planted nano. I want to eliminate algae from sources so that it doesn't even enter my tank. I had heard that the Algae Fix was good for hair and beard algae, in addition to green water, while being safe for plants.
I have used the AlgaeFix before I know what I know now. It did work with no harm to fish or plants, however it will kill shrimp, crabs etc. I would opt for a bleach dip instead evan if the Val does not do well, if the plant is healthy it should snap back.
Your N03 & P04 are a bit out of wack, you need to keep them at a 23 to 1 ratio (N03 10ppm/P04 0.4ppm). You need to get a more accurate reading on the N03.
I would also suggest adding C02, if your not already and to increase weekly water change to 30%-50%.
I do a 19:1 solution of water: bleach and then dip plants for anywhere from 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. The sensitive stem plants might not do as well as some hardier species that can tolerate the full 2-3 minutes.
I've had Hornwort just shed all its needles after a bleach bath for a minute
Bleach treatment seems to work well as a preventative measure, but the best thing you can do is to keep your tank healthy and balanced from the start, and any algae that's on your new plants should disappear.
I do a 19:1 solution of water: bleach and then dip plants for anywhere from 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. The sensitive stem plants might not do as well as some hardier species that can tolerate the full 2-3 minutes.
I've had Hornwort just shed all its needles after a bleach bath for a minute
Bleach treatment seems to work well as a preventative measure, but the best thing you can do is to keep your tank healthy and balanced from the start, and any algae that's on your new plants should disappear.
What caused hair algae in my tank(s) was lack of N03 (lack of plant growth) and to much iron (relaying on test kit results).
To get rid of the hair algae I did the following...
1) Started adding potassium nitrate (Green Light stump remover)
2) Stopped all other ferts for 2 weeks.
3) Reduced light by 2 hours daily for 2 weeks.
4) Increased water changes to 50% for 2 weeks.
After 2 weeks all signs of hair algae was gone and I went back to my regular routine of ferts, lights, water changes. The hair algae has never returned.
Make sure to keep your N03/P04 at a 23 to 1 ratio.
I finally pinched off all the leaves from all the plants that had hair algae a few weeks back. There were several plants that were left with no leaves, and I didn't have much hope for them, but they've all come back with a vengeance. YMMV, etc etc etc, but it worked fine for me.
Bleach dip is very effective, but delicate plants can succomb from 2 minute dip.
Hair algae appeared in my tank through contamination when an infested new plant was introduced. I got rid of it (and about 3-4 species of plants) via bleach dip. It was a lot of work, and involved complete teardown of the tank and bleaching even the tank itself and its equipment. Not a lot of fun.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Aquatic Plant Forum
730.4K posts
52.5K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to aquatic plant owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about collections, displays, tanks, styles, troubleshooting, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!