Mars Algae Destroyer Advanced - thoughts?

[Kevron56]

Yeah, I had to relocate the bacopa to the center of the tank where there is the most light and the most "ceiling" space lol. And yes, my anubias' rhizome is above substrate. For a time before I cycled my tank I had the anubias floating. I soon noticed my betta getting damage to his fins and concluded the roots (quite firm and pokey) were tearing his fins so I tucked them in the gravel.

[aokashi]

try floating a bacopa and compare the growth results of the floating stem with the planted :)

[Kevron56]

That sounds like a good experiment, I'll post any results if/when I see any.

[Wendyjo]

That does sound like diatoms - too bad you don't have an oto cause they love that stuff!

The best algae control for nano tanks that I've been able to find is a freshwater nerite snail or two. They are small, won't reproduce in fresh water, bettas typically ignore them, and they eat their weight in algae plus some. Awesome little workers.

[Kevron56]

Originally Posted by Wendyjo

That does sound like diatoms - too bad you don't have an oto cause they love that stuff!

The best algae control for nano tanks that I've been able to find is a freshwater nerite snail or two. They are small, won't reproduce in fresh water, bettas typically ignore them, and they eat their weight in algae plus some. Awesome little workers.

Hi Wendy,

What's an Otto? Sounds like some sort of algae eater?

If I can't control the algae by adjusting my photo period ill definitely consider your Nerite snail suggestion.... It'll have a ALGAE FEAST!

Thanks for responding btw it's much appreciated!

[aokashi]

oto= otocinclus. a small and often fragile catfish due to bad shipping and snaring practices.

nerites are great too :) but you will need to feed it fresh veggies after the diatoms are gone.

[Kevron56]

Originally Posted by aokashi

oto= otocinclus. a small and often fragile catfish due to bad shipping and snaring practices.

nerites are great too :) but you will need to feed it fresh veggies after the diatoms are gone.

Hmmm, the otocinclus may have to wait till I get a larger tank, I think Blooey enjoys the 5g all by himself.

Snails worry me a bit because when I was younger the snails we had often wandered up toward the lid and sometimes out onto the counter.... Jail breaker! Lol... Maybe if I keep the veggie buffet in the water they won't go nomad on me =P

[aokashi]

oh yes! nerites are escape artists, lol. so are amano shrimps...

but if you have a lid for your betta, it usually prevents them from suicide

[Kevron56]

While doing a water change today I have come to the conclusion that I made a mistake in identifying the algae growing in my tank... I think it's blue-green algae rather than brown algae. Any new thoughts/suggestions? I have read this kind of algae is toxic to fish...

[aokashi]

it can be fixed via manual removal or spot dosing of hydrogen peroxide. remove the betta just in case. if you need more information, I'll be happy to provide it. BGA gathers in areas of low water flow. increasing current in those areas will also help.