This site is supported by the advertisements on it, please disable your AdBlocker so we can continue to provide you with the quality content you expect.
  1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
  2. We are after as many aquarium plant images that we can get, doing so will assist us in completing the aquarium plant database.

    https://barrreport.com/threads/aquatic-plant-images-wanted.14374/
    Dismiss Notice
Cookies Aquarium Plant Images Wanted

Algae thoughts

Discussion in 'Algae Control' started by Henry Hatch, Dec 7, 2006.

  1. Henry Hatch

    Henry Hatch Guru Class Expert

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2006
    Messages:
    179
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    2:10 AM
    I've been thinking about algae recently. Has anyone ever tried soaking plants in a strong solution of excel ? Maybe it would be less traumatic to plants than bleach ?

    Also, I wonder if temporarily limiting a nutrient such as phosphate might be of help. If higher plants can store this nutrient, but lower plants such as algae can't, could this be a viable strategy ? The higher plants could survive during the limitation period, but the algae might not.

    Henry Hatch
     
    #1 Henry Hatch, Dec 7, 2006
  2. VaughnH

    VaughnH Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    3,011
    Likes Received:
    89
    Local Time:
    2:10 AM
    I think limiting the available phosphates would stop plant growth before it would stop algae growth. That would leave the tank succeptable to further algae attacks when the plants could not absorb ammonium as soon as it shows up.

    Excel will kill vals, egeria densa, and other simple plants, just as bleach does. So, while Excel would assault the algae on the plants it might also assault the plants, just as bleach does.
     
    #2 VaughnH, Dec 7, 2006
  3. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
    Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2005
    Messages:
    18,662
    Likes Received:
    606
    Local Time:
    2:10 AM
    You'd have to dilute Excel pretty good before you get anything that would not roast the plants also.

    It's not worth it.

    Trim the infected leaves, provide good growing conditions to begin and this is not an issue really.

    I use bleach etc on hoses, equipment etc, a Kent Pro scraper on glass/Acrylic, and scissors for weeds.

    You may follow the 3 day black out with Excel dosing + daily water changes.
    Algae don't like Excel, water changes nor a blackout.

    Instead of using one big harsh hammer, we use many little hammers to beat the algae back.

    Then reset the nutrients and maintain good CO2 etc then on.
    That method will knock back most all algae severely.
    And unlike other methods, do virtually no harm to plants.........

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #3 Tom Barr, Dec 7, 2006
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads - Algae thoughts
  1. Eric Shultz

    Looking for thoughts regarding my algae/plant problems

    Eric Shultz, Apr 11, 2016, in forum: Are you new to aquatic plants? Start here
    Replies:
    16
    Views:
    260
    Eric Shultz
    Apr 21, 2016
  2. Eric Shultz

    Looking for thoughts on my algae and plant growth problems

    Eric Shultz, Apr 11, 2016, in forum: Are you new to aquatic plants? Start here
    Replies:
    1
    Views:
    150
    Pikez
    Apr 12, 2016
  3. srozell

    THoughts on Staghorn Algae

    srozell, May 29, 2005, in forum: Algae Control
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    161
    srozell
    Jun 7, 2005
  4. BTimms

    Water Changes Cause Algae

    BTimms, Jun 26, 2018, in forum: Algae Control
    Replies:
    9
    Views:
    235
    BTimms
    Jun 27, 2018
  5. PhilipS

    For Sale: Plant Sale - Algae & Pest Free Tissue Cultures

    PhilipS, Jun 12, 2018, in forum: Trades, swaps, sales
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    249
    PhilipS
    Jun 12, 2018

Share This Page