I have the floating algae in a 10 gal tank. Currently, I am using this tank to heal a couple fish that got a bit beat up. I'm using aquarium salt and Melafix -- How can I get rid of this green haze? I have to have the filter out, so no, it's not that. I can't afford one of those UV things.. I think there are chemicals out there to take care of the problem, but which ones and can I use them while I'm treating my injured fish?
2007-02-07 09:24:21 · 13 answers · asked by Amanda 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
No need to waste money on chemical additives. The majority of chemicals for tanks are in all truth a waste of money. Green water algae needs two things really to bloom like that. Light and nitrates. Best bet is to starve it out by keeping you nitrates very, very low. Try tossing in some floating plant like Crystalwort, pennywort, java moss or frog bit. it will shade the water a bit and also suck up nitraites and nitrates like a sponge.
2007-02-07 10:05:16 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Oh goodness, it's funny how people think an algea eater can clean green water. Okay. What kind of lighting is in your tank? There are different types, some that are not that bright. You might want to look into getting a different light that has a softer light. I know that they sell some in terms of brightness. Another choice would be leaving the tank light off, but keeping the room's light on. This way the fish still have moderate light - but perhaps not enough to promote the algea to grow so fast. Also as you stated, since your water is so high in phosphorus - it's not fun, especially for 50 gallons - you might want to consider purchasing either bottled water or water from a fish store. It may be a hassle, but it may help to keep the cleanings monthly. And if it does help, all you really would need to buy would be around 13 gallons of water monthly, since you really should only be doing 25% water changes.
2016-05-24 04:15:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to have the filter "out", you only have to have the charcoal or carbon removed so it doesn't remove the medication. Carbon is notorious for removing any medication from a hospital tank.
The green water is not a problem for the fish, in fact, they are probably more comfortable in it than crystal clear water. However, it shows that you probably have high nitrates in that tank. Nitrates are what the algae, and all plants, use to grow. The best way to get rid of the nitrates is by doing regular (weekly) partial (25-30%) water changes in any aquarium. Do your water change before redosing with the MelaFix.
Nitrates are the end result of decomposing food and fish waste. Ammonia and nitrites are the first two. Cut back on the feeding to once a day and only what they will eat in 5 minutes. Remove anything that is left over. This will go a long way toward fighting the algae. Less light will hinder its' growth also. Live plants will also successfully compete with the algae for any nutrients in the water.
All three of these chemicals, when not removed by water changes, will cause a great deal of stress for your fish and hinder their tissue regrowth and their immune system. With damaged tissue, parasites and diseases will try to gain entry to the fish's body. A healthy immune system will fight them off.
BTW, bleach is what you use to totally kill off anything in a tank and sterilize it after having a disease run through it. Adding Clorox would be a murderous thing to do to sick or damaged fish. That is just a stupid, mean spirited thing to tell someone to do.
2007-02-07 09:40:48 · answer #3 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
if you can't increase/improve filtration then you probably can't do a 50% water change either.
so...
decrease the amount of light the tank gets and do not feed the find in that tank daily. feed them every other day and watch to make sure they eat all the food you put in the tank for them in about 5-10 minutes (if they don't eat it all, feed less next time)
if you have 'green water' it is most likely due to
1-too much light
2-over feeding the fish (thus an excess of nutrients for the algae to flourish upon)
3-inadequate filtration/circulation
there are algicides on the market that will kill the algae, but it is only a short term solution. if you don't change what caused the algae in the first place, it will return. i would recommend staying away from chemical algicides, especially since you are treating the tank w/other medications.
2007-02-07 09:44:43 · answer #4 · answered by Act D 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have to agree with the very first post - just leave off the aquarium lights, it's harmless and effective. This with water changes will take care of it. I go as far as leaving a room light on for ambient lighting and only using the aquarium lights when I'm there to observe the tanks, and because of this my tanks are nearly algae free. The only exception to this method is obviously if you keep live plants. Chemicals are temporary and and dumping anything into the water should be done very skeptically.
2007-02-07 10:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
UV filter.
This is the best way. No need for chemicals etc. and it is fast. You need to buy and install one though...and you said you can't afford one. You may find a "AA" (name of a brand see link:
http://www.aa-aquarium.com/showroom4.php?id=156&level=1 ) one, they are cheaper and are installed directly in the tank. In Hong Kong - where I live - they are about $200 HKD ($25USD)...probably more in the U.S. because I think they are made in Hong Kong...).
Other is the black out method mentioned above. Completely cover the tank for 3-4 day, no light at all. Don't peek just keep it covered. The fish will be fine, plants should survive...though may suffer if they are delicate.
As some suggested above avoid using chemicals etc. if you can. Don't mess with nature. :)
See this link for more info:
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/maintenance1/p/greenwater.htm
2007-02-07 13:20:48 · answer #6 · answered by Stealthy Ninja 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like you need to contact a salt water aquarium specialist. There are several algae treatments that are inexpensive and will stop the growth of algae. Most of the treatments are safe to use with fish, even the sick ones. I would not stop the filter. The quality of your water will go downhill if you do. Good luck and hope this helps.
2007-02-07 09:35:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is an algeacide that you can buy at Walmart. It is fairly effective. If your fish are Scaleless and have sores I probably wouldn't use it. If this is a temporary thing, holding the fish in this tank, the algea won't hurt them and they may like the seclusion it offers as they heal. If this was my tank, I would make sure there is no direct sunlight on the tank (it grows the algea) and I would do a partial water change, 30%, every 7-10 days until it is better. I believe it is very important to add Slime Coat OFTEN, especially for healing fish. Best of luck!!!
2007-02-07 09:32:56 · answer #8 · answered by bessie 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
leave your light off- start your filter-but don't use carbon. that way the medication will stay in the water to heal the fish and the filter will clean the water. if you have an outside power filter it shouldn't take long- no carbon for the floss or pad to clean your tank. get rid of the floating algae.
you didn't say what size tank, or what type of filter you have. leave filter on.... remember NO CARBON. (OR AS SOME CALL IT-CHARCOAL)
2007-02-07 13:07:39 · answer #9 · answered by robrr03 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What ever you do do not put bleach in the water with your fish.
As you said you're using medication, nine times out of 10 this is causing the color in the water. You do not have to stop using your filter you just have to remove the carbon.
2007-02-07 10:02:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋