MinxMermaid

Lemons little betta tank at my store is getting alot of green string algae. I'm assuming this is because that tank gets a ton of light, as there are lots of windows and spot lights in the store. I can't really move him, cuz he loves being on the desk and getting lots of attention.

What is the best way to clean out the string algae?

There is alot on the silk plants, and some on the gravel and on one wall.

if i wash the plants, vacuum, scrub the wall and water change will that work? or will that just disperse more in the tank? i've heard you're not supposed to disturb string algae much....

Lucy

I used to get that in my 5g hex, (when I used it) It was annoying.

During a water change I would rinse the plants in the used tank water and use my hands to pull it off and put it on a paper towel.

I found just a rinsing didn't remove it, it has a way of clinging and attaching it's self to what you rinse in the tank water. Then you can't see it until you put the plant/decoration back into the tank.
I would also wipe the walls with a paper towel.

When I switched from the 5g hex to the 10g, I no longer get it even though the 10g is in the exact same spot.

I've never heard that it shouldn't be disturbed.

I'm not sure this was much help, sorry.
Good luck.

Shawnie

Other than wiping it, which is tough like lucy said, I wouldnt scrub things down..you might start a mini cycle...can you cover most of the sides and back with a background cover and just leave the front open? or changing its location even a lil bit away from natural lighting will help..otherwise, its mainly an eye sore for us and not so much the fish...what about a lil otto or cory? goodluck hun!

clinton1621

I agree with them, wiping it off is probably your best bet... although it probably wont get rid of it entirely, on the plus side (as long as it doesnt get way out of control) it does absorb nitrates from your water, produces oxygen in the water, and is possibly a food source if your betta likes to pick at it

MinxMermaid

well, we wiped the sides, scrubbed the plants in the discarded tank water and did a 50% water change. its MUCH, MUCH better.

(well i should say RICK did all that, I just supervised...and said, 'you missed a spot...') hee hee, spoiled girl....

it wasn't totally out of control, i just didn't want it to get to that point.

Lemon doesn't like to eat it, but he's swimming around happy and starting his new bubble nest as the old one got blown out with the water change.

COBettaCouple

This wasn't the algae that has the 'gooey' look to it?