Filter Feeders to combat algae?

Slaigar · 08-17-2003, 07:50 PM

I do not know that many freshwater filter feeders for the aquarium other than a few shrimp. I am thinking that if there are enough of these, it could slow algae growth. Wood or Singapore Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) is one that should be available once every while, but I never seen one in my area. I have seen a "Vampire Shrimp"(Atya gabonesis- http://www.ekkwill.com/vampireshrimp.html) but it was $20 CAD! A few freshwater clams coul also help.

Anyone think that this could possibly work? I do not know the efficiency of these critters. I know water flow is a must and maybe slightly over fertilizing to have some slight algae to keep the critters alive.

Gwinna · 09-18-2003, 04:44 PM

I know that zebra muscles clean water like crazy, and just won't die, but I've never seen them for sale. It might be something to look into, but you could never let them near the wilderness, they're a bane upon the earth in most places...

aeternum23 · 09-18-2003, 05:10 PM

Keep in mind that algae is the result of some sort of imbalance in the tank. Even though the animal may be sucking up algae, they're only dealing with the symptoms of the problem. On top of that, they're also producing more waste which means more nutrients for the algae.

09-18-2003, 04:44 PM	#2
Gwinna Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: kennesaw, georgia Posts: 23	I know that zebra muscles clean water like crazy, and just won't die, but I've never seen them for sale. It might be something to look into, but you could never let them near the wilderness, they're a bane upon the earth in most places... __________________ 125 gallon planted community of white clouds, gouramis, dojo loaches and a pleco. 55 gallon angel tank that the pleco won't let me plant. 30 gallon surprise pacu, who also won't let me plant. 30 gallon hex livebearers, moderately planted.

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08-17-2003, 07:50 PM	#1
Slaigar Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 214	I do not know that many freshwater filter feeders for the aquarium other than a few shrimp. I am thinking that if there are enough of these, it could slow algae growth. Wood or Singapore Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) is one that should be available once every while, but I never seen one in my area. I have seen a "Vampire Shrimp"(Atya gabonesis- http://www.ekkwill.com/vampireshrimp.html) but it was $20 CAD! A few freshwater clams coul also help. Anyone think that this could possibly work? I do not know the efficiency of these critters. I know water flow is a must and maybe slightly over fertilizing to have some slight algae to keep the critters alive.

09-18-2003, 05:10 PM	#3
aeternum23 Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 435	Keep in mind that algae is the result of some sort of imbalance in the tank. Even though the animal may be sucking up algae, they're only dealing with the symptoms of the problem. On top of that, they're also producing more waste which means more nutrients for the algae.