Algaefix

[gmh]

Does anyone use API Algaefix? I have always been leary of adding chemicals to my tank. It claims to be harmless to fish and plants.
Active ingredient is Poly[oxyethylene(dimethylimino)ethylene(dimethylimino)ethylene dichoride]

 

[jpappy789]

Dang! Thats a long active ingredient

What type of algae are you dealing with?

Have you tried cutting back on light and feeding first???

 

[Lupin]

Anything can claim they are harmless. The bigger question would be what happens when the algae dies? The decomposition can result in too much oxygen used up and killing the fish in the process once oxygen diminishes critically.

Not going to recommend using a chemical. You need to pinpoint the exact cause of your algae problem.

 

[DominionDesign]

Anything can claim they are harmless. The bigger question would be what happens when the algae dies? The decomposition can result in too much oxygen used up and killing the fish in the process once oxygen diminishes critically.

Not going to recommend using a chemical. You need to pinpoint the exact cause of your algae problem.

I have several ponds I maintain for clients and have used Algaefix for string algae with good results and have never had a problem. Lupin is entirely correct as to removing the dead algae which can cause serious problems if left to decompose. I, however, do not and wouldn't recommend it in a tank. Lighting and other parameters are more controlable in our tanks and rampant algae growth is a result of something being out of whack. Figure out and correct the cause and the algae will diminish. It's safer and cheaper.

 

[kyle3]

don't use it.

those algae fixes will cause havok in your tank
they can harm your biofilter,
plus the decomposition mentioned above,
and even tho they say that they won't hurt fish the fact is any chemical disolved in the water increases the osmotic pressure on the fish and it will stress them out

and ultimately the original cause of the algae bloom hasn't been addressed and it will eventually return

the best algae fix is frequent large water changes, some manual removal (i.e. scraping picking leaves, turning the gravel near the surface) and a good dose of patience- it usually takes a few weeks or a little more

also looking at your photo period to be sure u're not overdoing it there
if you dose fertalizers stop for a week or two, then move back into then at a lower level
also if you have high light and not enough Co2 for the plants to use it up that can be a source of algae blooms

and remember patience patience
algae can be frustrating just have faith in yourself so you don't go crazy
cheers-k

 

[gmh]

I have some kind of string algae that I have let sneak up on me. It is mostly on the substrate and java moss, and is starting to colonize the driftwood. I ordered the algaefix online with some other stuff but will hold off on using it. I had in mind just one or two doses but even that scares me.
Will cut back on the lighting and have started dosing Excell (I use no ferts)
My water is a bit softer than it used to be as I mix in more RO to the tapwater. I wonder if that could be a factor.