Green Spot Algae ... HELP!

[Qeistalan]

I have green spot algae (GSA) running rampant in my Lego-decorated 50-gallon tank. It began when we introduced a new plant to the tank, and now it's getting saturated. Since Legos are not the easiest of things to clean (without completely dismantling the sets to decontaminate, since razor-scraping will damage the blocks), I am trying to find some tankmates to do the cleaning for me! *crazysmil

I've read that certain plecos and apple snails will eat GSA, but I'm unsure which kinds work well for the task-at-hand. I have a very laid-back community tank with fantails, swordtails, sae's and otos. Before anyone says sae's & otos will eat GSA, nothing indicates they will touch it (sae's) or are strong enough to eat it (otos). Solid info about GSA-eaters would be appreciated!

I've also read about a product called "Algone" which claims to remove excess nutrients from the water, hence helping remove algae ... but no mention if it works against GSA. Anyone?

I hope to hear some good news from the forum. Thanks to all with info and/or assistance.

 

[exodon]

lego algae

farowella cats (loricaridae) are excellent workers for most types of algae. If you are referring to blue green algae, then u must treat that with something besides a algae remover. Use caution when using algae destroyers / removers, esp. if u like your algae eaters.

 

[Avalon]

No algae eater will eat green spot algae. Period.
You can temporarily use a 18:1 bleach-water solution to soak your legos in. The algae should rinse off with a little rubbing.

More info about your tank will help. What kind of lighting are you using and how much for how long?
What are your water parameters?

Controlling the cause of your algae is far more effective than remedying the symptoms.

 

[Qeistalan]

I stated I already own sae's and otos, and they do NOT eat GSA (which I already knew). Also, Chinese algae eaters are aggressive -- not passive -- tankmates, and they rarely eat algae. Your post is appreciated, SoulFish ... but I don't think you actually read my initial question.

I know I am a beginner tank-owner, but I feel I've done a good job researching topics ... and there are too many conflicting reports about Green Spot Algae.

Hopefully someone has had success with fish and/or snails eating GSA ... and they read this posting!

 

[Qeistalan]

To SoulFish:

I am completely perplexed by your posts in this thread.

I did not say Chinese algae eaters "cannot" eat algae; I said they rarely eat algae (because they stop altogether once they are older).

Also, why would a community-tank owner buy a fish which is known to become aggressive? Who would know when it is "old enough"? I know of only one aquarium shop in Minneapolis which accepts older/larger fish, but will NOT if they are aggressive ... and they do not even carry CAE's because of their aggressiveness. You're a fortunate soul to have a "fish orphanage" at your disposal!

Thanks for your info.

 

[Qeistalan]

Thanks for your clarification.

 

[Avalon]

I have green spot algae in all but 2 of my tanks. There are algae eaters in all of those but one. I will not keep a chinese algae eater because I know better However, in the two tanks that do not have it, snails are readily present...yes, I keep them in there for a reason.

High light seems to be a major factor. Decreasing light intensity or length of time works well to keep it at bay. That's why I asked earlier about your water parameters and your lighting. How bout it?

Green spot algae can be a nuiscance. Many, many AGA competitors battle with this stuff. It's not a "rookie" algae. Be happy you have this rather than black beard algae.

 

[SoulFish]

lol you all treat algae eaters like theyre doviis or red devils, they really arent that bad even when grown up, mine couldnt even catch my angelfish

 

[Paul]

I have green sopt in all my tanks. I just ignore it. Other than scrape it off the glass once and awhile.