Re: hello and algae

Chris Teichreb (teichrch@Meena.CC.URegina.CA)
Tue, 23 Jul 1996 16:22:17 -0600 (CST)

Hi Peter,
>
> As I recall, a couple of months back someone asked about getting a handle
> on algae. Well, I wish I could remember what was said because I am facing
> that problem now. I have a custom tank (55"x16"x7") above which sits a
> grow light. There is not too much outside light coming in. The tank is
> beginning to grow algae. Any suggestions on how to control it? I'm using
> distilled water and don't have a filtration system set up. I have a small
> aquarium pump circulating the water, however. I welcome any ideas on how
> to get a handle on the algae, including references to algae eating
> organisms if that is a practical solution. TIA.

I don't know if I'd put any other organisms in with my CP's for
fear that one or the other would be eaten (especially the CP's!). However,
if the problem is just greenish looking water, I'd add some Daphnia as
they'll feast on this algae and clear it up. However, if you have any
Utrics growing in the water, they'll feast on the Daphnia. Otherwise,
this may work and you could feed the excess Daphnia to any Utrics you may
have in another aquaria.

It seems strange that you would have an algal problem as you're
using distilled water so there should be very minimal amounts of nutrients.
If you have some sort of slime algae, you may be able to scrape it off. I
had slime algae of sme sort in my seedling pots which I was able to scrape
off as one big chunk leaving the seedlings behind. I wouldn't try any
algicides as this could be detrimental!

BTW, you didn't mention where the algae was growing. In the
water, on the soil, on the plants, or ??? Anyways, answers will vary
depending on where it's growing.

Regards,

Chris