Equipment Review and Discussion :: Ways to keep Algae away??

[CrossKnight]

Can you guys give me different ways to keep Algae away or at least ways to try to slow the growth of it??

Also I have used so much money on my two baby turtles I don't have much left either. So a cheap and effective way would be best.

[missibsu]

If your tank is near a window, that can cause excess algae to grow. Temps kept too warm in the tank is another reason. Some people swear by algea fix ( I think that was the name...) although I don't like to add any extra chemicals to my tank.

[Muirner]

Live plants
Protein skimmers
airstones (help very little but some)

[CrossKnight]

hmm, my tank is not near a window, but I think I'll take a look t protein skimmers.

[Andrew7769]

they are used primarily in salt water setups and they are very expensive i think

[CrossKnight]

oh, so there isn't many ways then?

[marisa]

Partial water changes, a lower rather than higher water temp.

If the algae isn't over-running the tank, I'd just let it be. I have green algae on the edges of the basking areas as well as around the sides of the stock tanks and on some of their rocks, and I just let it be. I like the way it looks.

[CrossKnight]

oh, so I guess Algae isn't bad for the turtles then?

[steve]

It depends on what kind and if it is under control

[marisa]

The short green algae that grows on things is fine.

[Muirner]

cross - You can find them for $60 - several thousand $$. They are too expensive, but in salt tanks algae cannot happpen it's just not good for the salt environment (that's what i understand at least).

A protein skimmer injects micro bubbles into a tube with water from the tank in it, the bubbles rise to the top and into a collection bowl. In the bowl the nutrients for algae are trapped. The smaller the bubbles and more expousure to the water, the more algae nutrients your pulling out.

[CrossKnight]

oh, I see. It does cost too much. I think I'll just go with more frequent water changes.

[Muirner]

I agree with you cross, defentally an expendature that is up there... I'll tell ya, with my new tank i've had it up and running for 2ish weeks, and havent changed or cleaned the filter at all, just added a few plants, and the only algae i see is a very very light coating on the dock... but that is easly removed.

I think that a filter with at least 2 stages of filtration, maybe 3 (depending on tank size) will help.

[CrossKnight]

I have a new question now... How would I get the water 25 gallons of water out without using a bucket >_<
Its very tiring having to scoop the water into a bucket and pouring it away. I have read some people use a "Python"? or a "Siphon"? It sounds really good but I do not understand these, can someone post links to good deals or any kind of suggestion is welcomed. Thank you!

[SpotsMama]

A siphon (or syphon) is a simple hose type device that you use to drain liquid from a container. The liquid in the container has to be higher than the place the liquid is going to drain to. A syphon is powered by gravity and vacuum - no electrical parts. It's very simple. It's not a brand name - it's a type of device. Some people use their garden hoses as syphons.

Python is the brand name of a hose like device that you can use to both drain water from your aquarium and put fresh water back in. It attaches to a faucet in a sink. When attached to a faucet, it is powered by a vacuum caused by the running water. Here's a link to their website:

http://www.pythonproducts.com/

You can buy Pythons at Petsmart or Petco or lots of other places.

I use a Python but I don't attach it to my sink. I use it like a syphon with a really long hose to drain my tank. when I refill my tank, I bring in a garden hose from outside if I'm replacing a lot of water. If it's just a few gallons, I use a bucket.

Lose the bucket - at least when you're emptying the old water!