Removing Algae

[BiffMalawi]

I am reorganizing tanks and going to be trading plants back and forth.

I have some major hair algae issues wihich I will address the causes of as I set up each tank.

Is there something I can soak the plants in to remove algae before replanting them? If so where do I get it from?

[Steve Hampton]

There are really three dips/baths that can be used...each has its pros and cons. The Bleach Dip, The Potassium Permangnate Dip, and the Alum Dip. Here is an article that briefly describes each;

http://www.aquariaplants.com/plantdipsbaths.htm

If you decide on using the Potassium Permangnate Dip then this is a must read too.

http://www.aquaticplantresources.net/ar ... c.php?t=14

[William]

BiffMalawi,

Steve offers some excellent advice. In my case I'm a bit of a klutz and end up doing more damage to plants when trying to remove algae and have found aggressive pruning works best for me. Along with getting the water chemistry in order, this approach requires that the tank has an abundance plant mass to out compete the algae.

Best regards,

Banik

[BiffMalawi]

Thanks for the excellent links.

It appears that Potassium Permangnate is not available here in Canada and I am concerned about using bleach so I think I will just clean off all the algae I can and go from there.

The larger leaf plants shouldn't be a problem but my mosses will be the biggest issue so I may have to try bleach on them.

[Crazygar]

BiffMalawi while its not available in Canada for consumer use, it is however, available for Labs. If you know anyone that works in a Lab setting, you might want to ask them if they stock that. Remember PP comes a safety measures.

Gary