Feed back on algae control in small scale system

[Cecil]

O.k. I got over there to take a look at the situation. Not really bad at all. A slight greenish tinge to the water due to phytoplankton and some filamentous algae on the sides of the tank. And there was of course filamentous algae inside the clear water lines.

I attached a piece of cloth to the end of a close hanger wire and along with the spray nozzle on the end of a garden hose we easily cleared the waterlines of algae. Then I wrapped black duct tape around the water lines (all are above the water line). I also provided a brush to clean off the tank walls a little at a time which is a good activity for the kids.

The amount of algae of both types I'm seeing, I believe is actually beneficial in adding oxygen, and assimilating nitrates and ammonia.

I suppose I could add a few tilapia to see how effective they are.

Thanks all for your responses and you were all spot on, especially Gary.

BTW half of the tank is already covered with a tarp but there is algae under it also. Apparently with a partial cover the light is able to get underneath it.

[Ravnis]

I would forget about expecting tilapia to control your algae problems. The whole premise of greenwater is that algae greatly outgrows what the tilapia can consume. I know barley straw is used to control algae in ornamental ponds, that might be an option too.

You might also consider craigslist as a source for a sizable pleco. They get quite large and aquarium owners often try to find the large ones a home after they outgrow thier tanks. A pleco will work wonders on the algae. Mine are mixed in with goldfish, tilapia and a single bluegill and he is left alone by them.

[Earthan Group]

Have you thought about a copper treatment? Just watch the alkalinity.

[keith_r]

i still have lots to learn about ap, so take anything i say with that in mind..

i would think that early on in cycling a system, an algae "bloom" may be beneficial, if you're cycling with fish.. because the bloom would use up excess nutrients, and give some plants some time to start growing.. algae does add some oxygen during the day but at night uses oxygen, so if you don't have an aerator running, you should.. covering the tank to block the light will help kill the algae off, but after it dies it consumes more oxygen..but i've read that it also produces some kind of chemical signature that inhibits another bloom.. i know that after my first "bloom" on my outdoor system, after i covered the tank, and the algae died off, i was able to keep the tank uncovered and did not have another bloom..

i've been thinking about creating a system kind like creating a pond.. get the water flowing, get the bloom, add some planktonic crustacea like daphnia..when the daphnia population starts to explode the water will start to go clear.. add minnows to eat up the daph.. after the daph are cleared up add the fish you want to grow out (well,, i've been thinking of using carnivores, so they would eat the minnows)... i think this would give a good kick start in growth to the fish you grow out..

in the meantime, i've got my daphnia tanks set up and running.. and i've got some rosy red minnow eggs that i'm hoping will hatch in one tank.. and a couple of crayfish that may be in berry in another tank.. i still want to set up a scud tank..