Methods of Algae Control

[jmhart]

Originally Posted by jplove25

SAE:

I think you have the SAE mistaken for the Flying Fox? I've kept a group of 5 true SAE's in my 75g for over two years now. I think they are maxed in size at about 4 1/2 - 5 inches. They do not eat my small fish or mosses. I can't comment on shrimp since i have never had any in my tank. They are only semi aggressive with each other and my Red Tail Shark bullies them all.

You did a great job with this article but in my personal experience i have never had a problem with the SAE's.

FYI, I am not confusing SAEs with Flying Fox.

[plantbrain]

I hate SAE's
Lazy good fer nuthing after they get bigger.


Regards,
Tom Barr

[mordalphus]

This is a great thread, why isn't it stickied? I probably found more information in this thread than I did looking at the last 5 pages of "help me, help me", and most of the "help me, help me" threads could be taken care of by reading this one thread...

I suggest someone either sticky this thread, or compose a stickied thread that points to this and other very helpful algae threads.

[macclellan]

Good 'article' overall, but the section on RCS applies equally for many other non-Amano shrimp (Tigers, Snowballs, etc.), and a discussion of H2O2 is missing alongside the glut discussion.

Originally Posted by mordalphus

This is a great thread, why isn't it stickied? I probably found more information in this thread than I did looking at the last 5 pages of "help me, help me", and most of the "help me, help me" threads could be taken care of by reading this one thread...

I suggest someone either sticky this thread, or compose a stickied thread that points to this and other very helpful algae threads.

This forum is shy on adding worthy subforums and stickies, rather unfortunately. There should at least be a sticky of useful threads like this one. There is a HUGE gap between the few articles on the site and the knowledge buried in the forum.

[mordalphus]

Yes, and I found it quite unsettling that this post was on page 5 between "omg, WHAT IS THIS" and "HELP!!! I HAET ALGAE!!", and that I had to wade through 5 pages just to see this one. It makes me wonder how many more useful articles were compiled but that I'll never see... Because hell if I'm gonna wade through every page to find the diamonds :P


Instead, make a sticky called "Useful information about algae" or "Threads about combating algae" and then have a list of links... Lots of forums do this because it is a great way to organize information. Instead, we have "OMG, ALGAE IS KILLING MY HC, WHAT DO I DO!?!??11" posts that have to be answered on a case by case basis.

[sewingalot]

Wouldn't it be better to simply ask a moderator than to post messages criticizing the lack of stickies? Especially when you are asking for such? It is a great article.

[jmhart]

Originally Posted by macclellan

Good 'article' overall, but the section on RCS applies equally for many other non-Amano shrimp (Tigers, Snowballs, etc.), and a discussion of H2O2 is missing alongside the glut discussion.


This forum is shy on adding worthy subforums and stickies, rather unfortunately. There should at least be a sticky of useful threads like this one. There is a HUGE gap between the few articles on the site and the knowledge buried in the forum.

I've never used H2O2 in the treatment of algae, but I know a lot of people do. If you write something up, I'll edit it into the Glut section. Either post it here or PM it to me.

[justin182]

A very good thread, dude!!!

[snausage]

Very good thread; just wanted to add my two cents.

Of all the fauna listed to combat algae, I've kept nerites, ottos, amanos, mollies, and rcs. All do an admirable job cutting down algae, although IME mollies devour any leaves that aren't thick and hardy so I'll never keep them in a planted tank again.

Amanos are more expensive, but if you buy in bulk on aquabid they're about the same cost as rcs. They won't breed unless you add salt, but I've had the same group of them for 3+ years.

However, I've found that the best, cheapest and by far the easiest way to combat a large amount of algal growth is with the good ol' tag along snail (the species with a rounded shell, not the malaysian trumpet snail). They're free, breed at an exponential rate and they'll survive in the most abysmal water conditions. Yes, they attract widespread derision from most experienced hobbyists, but they're so functional. If they get too out of control, a yo-yo loach will make quick work of them. I must have had at least 200+ tag a longs in my first tank and one yo-yo got rid of them in 3 days.

[plantbrain]

Originally Posted by sewingalot

Wouldn't it be better to simply ask a moderator than to post messages criticizing the lack of stickies? Especially when you are asking for such? It is a great article.

See if Jim will edit some and then add it as a stickie, then also link some other good algae references to it also, eg, root cause issues, speculated causes etc........

Dusko's article is good.
Jim can add that and others.

Not that many newbies will read it, but some sure will.
Most are freaked when they have algae and post, why do I have it and how to get rid of it. Few think it's a plant growing, gardening issue, not a disease.

I'm not sure the best method to help new folks resolve their algae issues, but a lot of repeating will be needed no matter how good an article is written, they will miss things and need reminding, more help and the forums are good for this.

Still, a good article thereof is a wise stickie.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[Baadboy11]

Originally Posted by plantbrain

See if Jim will edit some and then add it as a stickie, then also link some other good algae references to it also, eg, root cause issues, speculated causes etc........

Dusko's article is good.
Jim can add that and others.

Not that many newbies will read it, but some sure will.
Most are freaked when they have algae and post, why do I have it and how to get rid of it. Few think it's a plant growing, gardening issue, not a disease.

I'm not sure the best method to help new folks resolve their algae issues, but a lot of repeating will be needed no matter how good an article is written, they will miss things and need reminding, more help and the forums are good for this.

Still, a good article thereof is a wise stickie.

Regards,
Tom Barr

This would be good to put in a noobies section, and try and direct all new folks to that folder, I've seen that done in other forums with success.

[FishWorks AK]

Thank you for the info, I have had mine for about a year. I have yet to see them attacking the other fish, but they do seem to be neglecting there algae

[Philosophy]

Bump for a great read!

[asherah]

Can I add amano shrimp if I have dwarf cichlids ? Would love to get some to eat algae.

[jnatelborg54@gmail.com]

Wow, what a great article. I am learning so much from these forums!