From what I understand, my fish is so agressive (undulated trigger) that it will try to kill / eat anything that moves. So is there a way for me to control the algae without having to scrub it out myself?
Or is there any kind of algae eater that will be able to put up with the trigger?
2007-05-01 16:13:50 · 10 answers · asked by I-Love-GM 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Algae needs to have nutrients to grow. Step up the frequency of your partial water changes. Also be careful that you aren't overfeeding, and it might be worth it to test your water source to see that you aren't introducing nitrate or phosphate that way. You can get a phosphate pad to cut and add to your filter ($4-5 and you can get quite a few pieces unless you've got a cannister filter). If there's nitrate and phosphate, replace at least some of your water with reverse osmosis water (you can buy this in larger surpermarkets at a self-serve dispenser for about $0.25 per gallon once you buy the container).
Add a protein skimmer if you don't use one. If you use one, increase the flow a little. Some types of algae don't grow well in fast currents, so try increasing your cicrulation (add a powerhead).
When you clean, make it a point to scrape as much off and siphon it out.
2007-05-01 17:10:29 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you talking algae on things or green water? If green water then I have a solution.
We had some of the worst algae problems ever and I have found the best cure. My tank went from looking like pea soup (Literally!) to totally clear (I have pictures!) in 4 days. All it took was an u/v sterilizer. I tried everything you can think of beforehand and nothing worked. We are now 2 weeks clear of algae and our tank is beautiful. I can't recommend this enough. Of course this isn't cost-effective for a very small tank but over 20gallons would benefit.
Also, check your water quality, typically algae needs nutrients to grow..this could mean your nitrates are high. Do a 20% water change once a week (use reverse osmosis water from the pet store or distilled water from the food store to limit contaminants)for a couple weeks then do 20% once a month as a general rule from then on.
If the algae is all over stuff then just put in some pleco's and keep your lights on for only 8 hours a day. I would just get a good glass scraper and clean off the other stuff in the tank occasionally. Whatever you do though DO NOT use chemicals to kill it. One of the most important fish keeping rules is: Never add chemicals unless it's absolutely necessary.. ever ever. You mess with the biological filter every time and though you may end up with no algae you may well also end up with no fish.
Good luck!!
2007-05-02 09:24:27 · answer #2 · answered by Jewels 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an aggressive (fresh water) red devil/midas, and I can only keep snails in the tank. But they don't do that great of a job, and I end up having to use an algae scraper. Not sure if triggers eat snails, but I'd say your real only option is going to be manually cleaning it yourself.....that's the price we pay for having aggressive fish :)
2007-05-01 23:19:52 · answer #3 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest small snails.Malaysian trumpet snail is my personal favorite. They do not damage living plants they are night workers and they are small enough that most fish think they are a rock. They will keep it clean. Also if there numbers get to high(they multiply quickly) you buy a product called " had a snail" I have a 55 gallon and I have had them for 3yrs. I do not have to many. You only need three to start your aquarium off. I also put them in my water garden, they do very well.
2007-05-02 10:20:06 · answer #4 · answered by Sunshine S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think that snails are a good idea. First off, they move slow, so fish tend to ignore them as an entity. Also, they are cheap, so should a trigger eat one...no big deal...just get more.
2007-05-01 23:17:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been using Olive Nerite Snails for algae control. These seem to be the only snail one my female bettas can't kill, and she tries.
2007-05-02 00:41:21 · answer #6 · answered by Palor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Block sunlight from the tank. Algae grows when the sun is shining into the tank. If you block the side that gets sun, you will cut down on algae considerably.
2007-05-01 23:18:47 · answer #7 · answered by bonnie g 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is a liquid formula that you pour in and it removes algae. Try using that. If that doesn't work, snails are a good idea.
2007-05-02 00:18:16 · answer #8 · answered by ZooTycoonMaster 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
do not listen to them other people use algae destoryer sold at local wal-mart's
2007-05-02 09:38:47 · answer #9 · answered by Miss Nat Wolff 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is this magetet that goes between the glasses and each magnet goes on one side ,and it really works!
and for the sand you can get a little stick that helps it too.
good luck~~~
2007-05-01 23:33:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋