FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Well, since adding co2, as minimal as it is with the Hagen, I've noticed these "dust balls" collecting all over everything. Upon closer inspection, I believe what I'm seeing is my algae dying off. Where I had hair or fuzzy algae on my java fern leaves, it has turned to a sandy brown and almost looks to be disintegrating into a dusty appearance.

I think this is a good sign.

However, ordinarily, I would use my diatomagic to clean out the tank as there is alot of it all over the place and it floats away easily. But, this will deplete my co2 as it really churns the water for a half hour. That pH will yoyo back up while it is running. But those diatom filters sure do polish out the gunk when it gets stirred. Trying to siphon it out is going to be difficult.



Last edited by Cory_Di at 27-Feb-2005 09:39

Di, I strongly recommend you get one of THESE.

With a planted tank (they can be messy) IME this thing is very nice to have.

As some of your plants are bound to drop material into the water. I found that trying to grab it or net it can stir things up.

This is the one I have and it also comes with an attachment that allows you to hook a tube to it and do a real gravel vac.


This thing makes cleaning without doing a gravel vac much easier and hardly causes any surface agitation.

I love gadgets!

Edit: I forgot to answer your question.
Sounds like dead algae to me, we always get this stuff after Jamie bleaches the ornaments in her gup tanks.

This is a good sign, it shows that with the addition of CO2, your plants are out competing the algae.

Last edited by Shannen at 27-Feb-2005 15:33

I actually have one of those, buried somewhere. It didn't seem to be working that well. Maybe it was because the tank was so shallow (12 inches). The bag needs to be underwater to work right and that meant I had to have it at an angle. Makes it hard to use.

I'm crushed, as I love using that diatomagic some 6 times yearly to really clean the tank and polish it. It's definitely paid itself off.

Last edited by Cory_Di at 27-Feb-2005 15:46

The one I linked you, once it is primed can be lifted out of the water.

Edit: Oh and the tube is adjustable in length...it just slides in and out as needed.

Last edited by Shannen at 27-Feb-2005 22:02