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Hi,

Recently I've been reading a lot of info on algae, for me it's a strange phenomenon still because I've known of extra cared tanks that still get it, and neglected tanks that never encounter this problem.

So since I've been bumping around with answers like "your nutrients must be unbalanced", "you don't have the right balance between CO2, lighting and nutrients", "Nitrates are low or high", "you are an irresponsible tank keeper ", "to much light", "to many ferts or nutrients", "not enough of them", "not enough fast growing plants", "not owning any floating, nitrate sucking, light filtering plants", ...etc. The list can go on and on and on and on.

Here comes the BUT... I NEVER SEE STRAIGHT, PROBLEM SOLVING, ALGAE KILLING ANSWERS! I've heard so much about the possible reasons and the counter effects of these in so many threads and forums that I'm all confused. And I think people all around are too. since the subject keeps coming up again and again. I've even talked to people that are ashamed of having algae because they are considered bad tank keepers.

I think that as many other things in life, having an algae problem is not equal to bad fish/plant keeping, it's just part of the trade, and he who has never been a victim of algae in their tanks, may throw the first testing kit!

So, we know the reasons, we are familiar with the algae stigma, we walk with out heads down in front of our tanks, but can we get straight answers about real experiences in SOLVING a problem, and no conjectures on the probable cause of it?

Maybe if we can come along with good remedies (beside the obvious of good conditions) we could make a "sticky" in this forum where people can find real answers. I think it would be very useful in any forum. Also we can comment on the results if someone also has tried them and their experience.

So far in all the material I've read, besides pristine conditions of the tank and a lot of WC to eradicate algae I've found these two:

A straight, clear, well explained treatment, or eradicate Blue Green Algae or BGA (Cyanobacteria). Tried it and worked, many happy plants and owners after that. Hear the bells and the sky opening for Erythromycin!!!
3 day treatment, remove activated carbon.
250mg per 20G (75.5Liters)
4th day do a 50% water change and reassume the use of carbon and PUFF no cyano to be found, plants reacted in growing new leaves and stems, no harm done to plants or fish, and a mini cycle (not a high price to pay IMO).

Chlorine Dips (for BBA, Hair Algae, Staghorn Algae, Red Algae and Hydras)
I've heard two versions of this one, never used it, but I am doing it tomorrow

First one is a 5% mix 9 1/2 parts of water for 1/2 a part of chlorine (use a measuring cup). Dip your plants in the solution for up to 2 minutes for delicate plants (java moss, myratophylum, for example) and up to 5 minutes for hardy plants (anubias, swords, java fern), then rinse with tap water for a minute or more, deep the plants in a bucket with an extra dose of de-chlorinating solution. Ornaments and wood, a long with filters and equipment can tolerate the dip very well so you can let them in it till the algae is fully de-attached) DO NOT DIP FILTER MEDIA!, replace it for new one.

Second one is the same process but it's a 10% solution, 9 parts of water for 1 part of chlorine. Dipping times are the same. I've read many success stories on both procedures. As I mentioned before I've never used the dips, but I'm giving them a try and I'll post the results on both solutions.

I've never tried direct methods of removing algea, because when I had my algae problem I'd buy a new plant, use the dip method for snails and algae, put it in the tank and BAM! Two days later the plant is covered in little black hairs(actually a red algae) and turning to mush.

You can see [link=here]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Planted%20Aquaria/52902.html?200501281325" style="COLOR: #FF0000[/link] the only thing that has worked for me. To be successful, I think you have to start out on the right foot and never miss a step.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients