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I'm having some beard algae problems in my newly setup 10 gal. It's been up and running since Jan 23 this year. Would it be alright to put 1 SAE to fight this algae? I have 1 male Betta in there right now. Thanks!

Sorry, it's not a good idea. First, SAEs get to about 5-6" long, so you can see even a single one would just be too big for the tank. Second, they're definite schoolers that LOVE LOVE LOVE to be in groups, as many as possible. Six 6" fish really don't fit in a 10, I'm afraid.

There are other fish that eat filamentous algaes but none that would be small enough and safe with the betta except perhaps Ameca splendens ... and they're a bit hard to track down. Your best bet is just to remove it manually - flip decorations that have it, and use a credit card to scrape the glass.

Then, preventative measures to keep it from coming back: check nitrates and phosphates. Make sure the tank isn't receiving direct sunlight. Keep the light on 10 hours a day or less. Feed less. Etc.

Good luck!

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

I agree that the fish really is too big for a 10.

Another suggestion that's often made with BBA issues is to do multiple small water changes. You might want to try 5-10% water changes for a week as well as going with some of LittleMouslings suggestions of manual removal and feeding less.

^_^

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"And I said What about Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Really? I called 2 LFS's of the same chain and spoke to a livestock manager that I know, and another employee at the other store and they both said 1 SAE would be ok for a 10 gal.

I also asked if they had in stock Hornwort and Wisteria, yup! So I think I'll get some of that for both my 10 and 20 gal.

Thanks for the help

Last edited by bala shark at 01-Feb-2005 18:23

Sadly, LFS employees can all too often be misinformed. Plus, let's face it, it's in their best interests for you to spend money on a fish from their store.
It's just common sense - a 6" fish doesn't belong in a 20" tank.

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

LFS's will also sell a 2 foot long fish for a 10 inch fishbowl.

Plants are a great option.

^_^



[hr width='40%']
"And I said What about Breakfast at Tiffany's"

I'm sure that you all know what your talking about Thanks. And anyone knows it's easier to trim back a plant... rather than a fish lol.

Beard algae isn't a result of dirty unkept tanks, so could it be a combination of not enough nutrients being in the water/substrate (lack of fish), and my plants just haven't had a chance to get established yet? Maybe I need the faster growing plants like Wisteria and Hornwort.

Thanks again.