Everything else is perfect,I have done 50% water changes and vaccumed the gravel.The brown algea is all over the my live plants and getting on the glass.Is there a chemical I can add to correct this?
2007-03-11 13:35:48 · 5 answers · asked by pumpkin 4 in Pets ➔ Fish
I somewhat dissagree with copperhead. I run Phosphate pads in my tank and have always done so. This is the only long term cure for your algae, since the pads not only can remain in your filter, last a very long time and are inexpensive. These pads work well on brown, yellow green/blue algae. They also help keep algae blooms from forming.
Also, why change your water source? It is highly likely your tap water is the cause of the phosphates. The pads are designed for long term use and do clear the problem with no lighting, water source or chemicals changed or added.
These pink pads come in sheets apx. 18x 22 and can be cut to the size of your filter pad and inserted just the same in piggy back style. They can be rinsed and reused, depending on the phosphates pulled out up to 6 months. All for around $2.00.
Another thing not mentioned is heat. If your tank is near a heat source this too can be adding to your tanks algae build up. Sometimes we don't have the option to move a tank and have to live with where we put it. These pads will help with the added algae even when it is from a heat source.
2007-03-12 03:45:23 · answer #1 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not really. There are phosphate-absorbing pads, but this won't help solve your problem in the long term.
Are there phosphates in your water source? Test the tap water, or whatever you use to eliminate that as the source of your problem. If this is a source, you may need to use water from somewhere else.
Phosphates are quickly taken up by plants. If you have a light on your tank, a few low to medium light plants will help remove it.
Water changes are another good step. Be sure to vacuum the gravel and do 20-30% water changes each week.
Is your tank overstocked, or maybe you could be overfeeding? Phosphates can be introduced in food. Only feed what your fish will eat in about 2 minutes no more than 2x a day.
2007-03-11 20:44:40 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is likely that the phosphate is coming from the water changes. I would suggest using Reverse Osmosis water if you want to get rid of the problem...you can usually buy it from fish stores, and even many grocery stores actually have RO water for sale...if you use your own water jug you can get it for about 30-40 cents a gallon but this adds up quickly over time. If you really want to constantly use RO water in you're tank you should really buy a unit. The smaller ones will run you about $150-200....but compared to buying it from a store you will eventually be saving quite a bit of money.
If you really can't afford to do either of those things you can buy phosphate remover. It is not something you add but a filter media....it can usually be mixed in with carbon and some companies actually make a carbon/phosphate absorbers mix. But this is something that you will have to continue to buy as long as you want to get rid of that algae....also something to look at in terms of cost over time vs. getting a RO unit.
2007-03-11 21:42:10 · answer #3 · answered by Mr.Robot 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Buy some Kordons Phosphate removing conditioner
2007-03-11 21:13:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would give copperhead 2 or 3 thumbs up if I could. Dead on!
MM
2007-03-11 21:26:50 · answer #5 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋