hssea

Wondering if API Algaefix can be used as a weekly algae control method. On the bottle is states "used weekly reduces algae and decrease maintenance. I dont have a bad algae problem but since my tank is "full" i hesitate adding any algae eaters. My other concern with this product is that is states "contains a chemical known to cause cancer in state of CA", does this apply even after its been added to the tank and i put my hands in during cleanings??

susitna-flower

I wouldn't recommend using chemicals of any kind if you can keep the algae under control with fewer hours of light, and water changes to keep the nitrates down. I also have added cherry red shrimp to a tank to help control algae, and they add very little bio-load....

Ntruder1400

The California warning is based upon extended exposure to many hundreds of times what the normal exposure would be. Gasoline is the same way. Spilling it on your hands once in a while isn't going to give you cancer, but bathing in it every day for many years might. I doubt that you need to be too concerned about the concentrations you would be exposing your hands to. If you were drinking it straight from the bottle, then I might be concerned.

tan.b

i'm with susitna on this one. the less chemicals you add to the tank better. not only on your pocket, but for the inhabitants too!!#

keep your algae in check by keeping the phosphates down. this is done a number of ways...

1. dont over feed. feed twice a day only enough for the fish to eat in 2-3 mins. any more than this and the food will encourage the algae
2. limit the amount of light your tank gets. is it in direct sunlight? can it be moved somewhere more sheltered? only keep your tank lights on 10hours a day. if the algae gets out of control, a 48hr blackout can help.
3. frequent water changes
4. adding plenty of plants. they will win the competition for phosphates, thus leaving the algae without any to feed from.
5. make sure your water is circulating well. this will depend on the type of filter you have and any bubble wands you have.

Tavel

the cancer warning is no worry to you, it only causes cancer in California. The rest of the nation is safe from the toxic effects!

But seriously, I read somewhere (can't cite a source, sorry) that warning is usually in reference to the plastic bottle. Companies print different labels for sale in CA, maybe that one slipped out.

hssea

My 17 yr old daug wants to know "why only in CA , not here"

Gargoyle

I wouldn't use it like that..

COBettaCouple

I think everything causes cancer in california. :P But I don't like using algae control liquids - they can do real harm to fish and we almost lost 2 tanks to that stuff once.

tan.b

yeah, chemicals do seem to often cause more problems than fix them! often they just shift everything out of the natural balance! "if it aint broke, dont fix it". i only use chemicals if a fish's life is in danger and i've nothing to lose by trying!

wolfman21

I've gotta agree, the more you stay away from chemicals, the better your fish and plants will be. Use what tan.b said. Here's also a helpful link that may solve the issue: http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9. Good luck!

hssea

wolfman, thanks for the articule. its the best one i've read so far