Washing tank decor

I had a problem wish black/(maybe) green slime growing on my tank wall and tank decor. I pulled my fake plants and one castle, I wiped the glass with plain paper tower to get the of my glass. I washed my fake plant and castle with Dawn dish soap using a tooth brush to get in the grooves of the castle. Then I rinsed in TREATED water and put the decor back in the tank. My fish are fine, and the tank has never looked better. I hope this may be helpful to some one with an algae problem or slI'm problem.

Sincerely,
Fish Fry

 

I would be careful about using soap (of any kind). usually, soap will not help greatly in removing algae, but if even residue remains, it can be harmful to fish. usually, algae can be removed with a good scrubbing. the harder algae might need a dilute bleach soak. i've found that even soaking in tap water for a while will kill off some algae, making it easier to scrub off.

 

How about soaking the tank decor in sparkling water? Never tried it, but wouldn't that go some way in getting the algae off?

 

hmm - not sure what's in sparkling water. is it just carbonated water?

 

I wash the decor and silk plants about every two weeks. I seem to get a continual growth of diatoms in my tank and after awhile I just can't stand the look. When I am doing a water change, I empty the water from the tank into a 5 gal bucket. Its this water that I do a washing of the decor and plants with a sponge brush that I use only for the aquarium. I scoop up some gravel at this tme as well and swish it around in the net to clean the brown diatoms off. Once everything is back in the tank within 12-24 hours it all looks good. I also wouldnt recommand using any soap for cleanning. Just a good scrub will do.

 

You could do with a couple of otos. They've done a great job on my brown algae. Took a while (3 days or so), but not a trace left now.

 

You could do with a couple of otos. They've done a great job on my brown algae. Took a while (3 days or so), but not a trace left now.

Last time I was at the LFS they were out of otos. But I have heard so much about their use in cleaning up these diatoms that I will certainly have to get myself a few of them asap!! Another good excuse to take a trip to the store!

 

Oh and they are nice, you know. It's just that I find them a little plain (but cute). And they're a little too hyperactive for my liking. But they're nice little fish, I am really grateful for the hardwork they do on my algae.

I think I caught mine mating the other day! They formed this s-shape and their bodies kind of intertwined. Very bizarre. Pretty sure it wasn't fighting. Would be great to breed them but am sure it takes a lot of reading to get it right.

 

Each time the decor is scrubbed you are losing beneficial bacteria. Algae and brown diatoms are a stage new tanks go through and will pass with a proper water change schedule. Artificial plants tend to get algae really bad.
As was suggested Otos are excellent algae and diatom eaters and will keep your tank sparkling clean
Soap of anykind should never be used on your tank or the decor, the slightest little bit getting into your tank will make your fish sick and die.
Carol

 

Each time the decor is scrubbed you are losing beneficial bacteria. Algae and brown diatoms are a stage new tanks go through and will pass with a proper water change schedule. Artificial plants tend to get algae really bad.
As was suggested Otos are excellent algae and diatom eaters and will keep your tank sparkling clean
Soap of anykind should never be used on your tank or the decor, the slightest little bit getting into your tank will make your fish sick and die.
Carol

Definitely agree with this. I have dealt with my algae with a pleco, shrimp, and snails. Of course, the shrimp are now gone, into smaller tanks until I can get the 10 gallon done. This is because, Ody the Oscar eats everything smaller than him. LOL

 

Each time the decor is scrubbed you are losing beneficial bacteria. Algae and brown diatoms are a stage new tanks go through and will pass with a proper water change schedule. Artificial plants tend to get algae really bad.
As was suggested Otos are excellent algae and diatom eaters and will keep your tank sparkling clean
Soap of anykind should never be used on your tank or the decor, the slightest little bit getting into your tank will make your fish sick and die.
Carol

HI Carol
I just can't stand all that brown diatoms. It can get pretty thick on the decorations! My tank water gets a 25% change at least every 5 days and a 50% at least every three weeks. the water is crystal clear. I know that I am loosing benificial bacteria this way, but my ammonia is at 0, and nitrites are at 0, and my nitrates usuallly run almost 10. Its just a ugly mess if I don't clean them. The tank has been running for alittle more than three months now and I see no end in sight of the diatoms. Will have to invest in some otos asap! ;D

 

Wow Capekate, I'll bet your house us super tidy! My house has nitrates 50 on average!

 

Wow Capekate, I'll bet your house us super tidy!  My house has nitrates 50 on average!

LOL... my tanks have never had nitrates over 20. I do spend a lot of time cleaning and changing water. lol.. NOW I wish my HOUSE was as clean! ...

 

Each time the decor is scrubbed you are losing beneficial bacteria. Algae and brown diatoms are a stage new tanks go through and will pass with a proper water change schedule. Artificial plants tend to get algae really bad.
As was suggested Otos are excellent algae and diatom eaters and will keep your tank sparkling clean
Soap of anykind should never be used on your tank or the decor, the slightest little bit getting into your tank will make your fish sick and die.
Carol

HI Carol
I just can't stand all that brown diatoms. It can get pretty thick on the decorations! My tank water gets a 25% change at least every 5 days and a 50% at least every three weeks. the water is crystal clear. I know that I am loosing benificial bacteria this way, but my ammonia is at 0, and nitrites are at 0, and my nitrates usuallly run almost 10. Its just a ugly mess if I don't clean them. The tank has been running for alittle more than three months now and I see no end in sight of the diatoms. Will have to invest in some otos asap! ;D

I understand Capekate I was mainly concerned with Fish Fry taking everything out and washing with soap. Otos are a good choice to get rid of the diatoms and they may even disappear by themselves as the tank matures.
Carol