cmonte1963
New Member
the guy in the fish store told me not to clean the algae off the back of the tank, the color means i have a healthy tank. Any thoughts? It is fur like now
algae
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cmonte1963
New Member
can the snails and shrimp live with the fish? I don't mind it being there it is colorful. I thought it might kill the fish
mudplayerx
Active Member
Algae is not a good indicator of water quality at all. My tank has perfect water conditions, but if I were to take my turbo snails out, I would have algae all over within two days.
I personally do not remove the algae from the back of the tank or the sides of the tank. It helps remove nutrients in the water and it gives the snails something to dine on.
ps- the reason I say that algae growth is not an indicator water quality is due to the numerous factors that can lead to algae growth. Even having strong metal halide lights on for just 8 hours a day without adequate snails will lead to algae growth.
I personally do not remove the algae from the back of the tank or the sides of the tank. It helps remove nutrients in the water and it gives the snails something to dine on.
ps- the reason I say that algae growth is not an indicator water quality is due to the numerous factors that can lead to algae growth. Even having strong metal halide lights on for just 8 hours a day without adequate snails will lead to algae growth.
cmonte1963
New Member
how many snails do i need for a 40 gal tank? so the fuzz won't kill the fish?
salty cheese
Active Member
Originally posted by cmonte1963
the guy in the fish store told me not to clean the algae off the back of the tank, the color means i have a healthy tank. Any thoughts? It is fur like now
IMO I would stop listening to that guy.
You can have "perfect" water parameters with macros in your tank, because they are consuming the impurities in the water column.
vlondi
Member
The guy he talked to might be refering to coraline algae (hence "colorfuL"; bad algae is usually brown or green). I'd say that coraline is good to have and I wouldn't scrape it off the back glass.
If you are just getting the green/brown stuff then you should up your cleanup crew some. Don't over-do it or you could overpopulate your tank, reducing food for all the inverts and some will eventually die off. I'd start with a few more for now and add only if it doesn't look like they are doing a proper job.
If you are just getting the green/brown stuff then you should up your cleanup crew some. Don't over-do it or you could overpopulate your tank, reducing food for all the inverts and some will eventually die off. I'd start with a few more for now and add only if it doesn't look like they are doing a proper job.
cmonte1963
New Member
should i clean the back of the tank before putting in the cleaners or they will take care of the past buildup?
cmonte1963
New Member
is it better to get snails or fish that eat algae? I've heard pros and cons on both
wax32
Active Member
Originally posted by cmonte1963
is it better to get snails or fish that eat algae? I've heard pros and cons on both
In a small tank like a 40 I wouldn't buy a fish just because it eats algae. You can't have that many fish to start with. My 2 favorite fish, the bi-color blenny and the cherub angel happen to love algae so I am lucky.
cmonte1963
New Member
thank for the advise everyone i started with 6 mex turbo, the differnce is amazing:jumping: :jumping: