Feed back on algae control in small scale system

[Cecil]

The high school system I set up is having issues with algae proliferation from what I've been told, although I haven't seen it yet and plan on going there tomorrow. I know that algae is actually beneficial but it appears the instructor doesn't like it and wants to get rid of it. LOL

Anyway it sounds like it's filamentous or perhaps a combination of phyto and filamentous.

What would be the safest way to get rid of it? We can cover most of the tank with a tarp (was only partially covered recently) but I think sufficient light may still be able to get to it, but I could be wrong.

I called a sales rep for a aquaculture supply company and got the impression he just wanted to sell me things. He suggested chemicals etc. which I'm not assured would be safe to the biofilter. I asked about a UV clarifier's effectiveness on filamentous algae and he was affirmative about that, which I also have doubts about.

I know getting an aquaponic set up going would probably help tremendously but what about the short term?

Ideas? Thoughts?

[kingjam]

Is the algae in the grow bed or in the fish tank. If in the fish tank, tilapia love to eat it. In my indoor tank I observe that even when they leave pelleted food alone, they will immediately go for the filamentous algae. Many varieties of tilapia are vegetarians. They also love lettuce.

[ande]

Hi Cecil
http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_water/w-103/welcome.html
I suggest a gras carp iff legal

Cheers

[tpilk]

Hi Cecil,

I have either a pleco or an Asian variety algae eater in every tank or pond at my home. They do incredible work and do not disturb the other fish. The pleco in my 1500L FT is pushing 10 inches now.

[GaryD]

Hi Cecil,

While plecos will eat algae, they won't forestall the impact of full-blown algae blooms.

Green water (single-celled algae) can be controlled by reducing the light that reaches the water, reducing the nutrient load in the system........or through the use of a UV filter. Contrary to popular belief, UV filters do not kill off the beneficial bacteria.......but they will kill single-celled algae and unhelpful bacteria.

UV filtration will not kill filamentous algae.....but then fish will happily eat that anyway.

My guess is that, being a school system, over-feeding is highly likely......so reducing the amount of food that's going into the system is the first place to start. Increase aeration if it's not already at optimum levels.....and do what you can to reduce the amount of light getting to the tank.

Gary

[Romy Venes]

UV filtration will not kill filamentous algae.....but then fish will happily eat that anyway.

I agree to that. I feed all the green Algae in my system to Kois and cichlids and they love it. I also notice that cichlids that eat filamentous algae are not as prone to Malawi bloat. I am not so sure though if others share the same experience.

My suggestion to reducing filamentous algae is to cover that portion with netting in order to reduce intensity of sunlight. However, in my observation, the presence of filamentous algae discourages the growth of single cell algae.

[keith_r]

covering the tank so light doesn't get in will stop it.. i had a bloom in my new system, but covered it, after a few days it cleared up, and from what i understand, the dead algae gives off some kind of chemical that reduces the chance of a second bloom
get some daphnia.. they'll eat the algae, and feed the fish (yp do "filter feed" to some extent)

[Cecil]

Is the algae in the grow bed or in the fish tank. If in the fish tank, tilapia love to eat it. In my indoor tank I observe that even when they leave pelleted food alone, they will immediately go for the filamentous algae. Many varieties of tilapia are vegetarians. They also love lettuce.

Thanks Kingjam.

It's strictly aquaculture at this time. If I can find a tank I'd like to get them started on aquaponics which would easily use much of what is fueling the algae. Tilapia are an option.

[Cecil]

Hi Cecil
http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_water/w-103/welcome.html
I suggest a gras carp iff legal

Cheers

Actually Andy they are not very effective with filamentous algae as your link indicates. Some macrophytes yes, filamentous no.

[Cecil]

Hi Cecil,

I have either a pleco or an Asian variety algae eater in every tank or pond at my home. They do incredible work and do not disturb the other fish. The pleco in my 1500L FT is pushing 10 inches now.

Thanks for the idea. However at the size I could probably be able to buy one he'd be fish food for the predacious yellow perch and even the bluegills.