Question about cleaning

[AngelicScars]

I was wondering what is the best way to get brown algae off of plastic plants. I know it's relatively easy to remove it under running water. Will boiling water help?

[Vikki81207]

Hmm I've never had algae. Sorry. Wish I could help.

[dr2b]

I read there are two ways. I have the problem on my one white plant. I let it soak in hydrogen peroxide - it did lighten it. I also read salt and lemon juice helps. The hydrogen peroxide definitely made it less noticeable though.

[sumsum]

I've never had algae. but when I clean a tank I turn the water on as hot as it will go and hold the rocks and plant and shell and hill in the net and run it under the water. this might be why I don't get algae.

[AngelicScars]

There is only algae in my tank with the Otos and they aren't eating the algae fast enough apparently.
I don't have algae in any other of my 3 tanks.

[dr2b]

Did you ever think of a live plant?

[Romad]

I use kosher salt and an algae pad to get algae off of my plastic and silk plants. Works like a charm.

I rinse everything really really really well afterward and then give them a final rinse in conditioned water before putting them back in the tank.

Good luck.

[Kim]

I just use an old toothbrush and scrub it off.

[RoseyD]

otos with plastic plants? the poor things. Mine love to eat algae off of the live plants and they sleep on the leaves, wake up to munch, then go back to sleep. they eat a lot, but they're very lazy. :)

Otos do not eat 'old' algae. If the algae has been there a while and it's old, the otos will starve rather than touch it. As well, otos only eat some types of algae...

I noticed on my tank that one wall was covered in algae that was turning all brown - and the otos completely ignored that glass - wouldn't even touch it. Last night, I finally took the algae scraper and got it all off.

The otos just seem to like cleaning my plants mostly, and then swimming over to the slice of zuccini ... They're all very fat ... such gluttons for veggies. I think my otos may be vegans. :)

[AngelicScars]

Um, that was rude of you to say. My Otos are fat too thank you very much. I supplement them as needed with zucchini and algae wafers as well (they like both).

Thanks for the ACTUAL advice that was given.