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Re: Bleach to kill algae



> As some of you may be aware I write the aquatic plants column for TFH
> and now that Dave is back in charge of the magazine it's actually
> not bad these days.
> 
> I outlined the bleach method for algae *eradication* as I'm
> not interested in *controlling* thread algae in an issue and
> some guy wrote a letter to the editor (editor at tfh_com) pretty
> much demanding my head on a platter for being so stupid.

Offer a head of lettuce instead.
It works but I'm more partial to blackouts which I just posted a rather
hairy experience in another post.
 
> So, if you've used and had success with this method why don't
> you write Dave a letter at the above address; I'm sure he be interested
> to find I'm not actually the only person on the planet that
> thinks this is a good idea.

I think it's good in some cases.
BBA and a few others.
I'm not too keen on it's use for keeping tanks free of algae species. Some
feel it prevents algae but that goes to the old problem, if the plants don't
grow, something else will if there's light and nutrients and water.
Cure the cause of the poor plant growth.

Maybe folks don't care for one vs another species but they can be controlled
without the bleach and an easier method.
Bleach will roast some plants.

We've used bleach for tissue culture to get bacteria/algae free plants but
it's a lot of work and in this case(TC) it's worth it.
 
> I write:
> I read the article, and to be honest, was a little turned off. It wasn't so
> much the bleach method, but the fact that your stressing that the tank has
> to be sterilized.

I think it's more about getting rid of a few species of pesky algae which
can be controlled in this manner if the owner is diligent.
Cladophora can be. But BGA and others will not be so easy.
BGA does float around in air etc.

> What about the algae that's floating around in the air? If algae control was
> as easy as sterilizing everything before it was placed in an aquarium, than
> we would never have problems. Maybe we can place our aquariums in a bubble.
> : )

There is some truth to this.
Might not be the answer you wanted.
Keeping cultures pure is a tough job.
I think many folks fail at some point.

Perhaps the issue is ___which____ species of algae that can be or cannot be
controlled in this manner would be the better question here.
Paul K has addressed this many times here.

I think blackouts + pruning are the best over all method with very few
exceptions to get rid of all algae(All forms of Green hair types).

Bleach is very useful for cleaning equipment (My only use for it at home)
and bacterial and tissue culture lab work etc. It's good for Swords, Anubias
and other toughed leaved plants etc that have BBA + if the owner is
unwilling to prune off the infested leaves. I trim them personally.

Keeping the plant needs in good shape afterwards addresses the rest. There
are a number of ways to get rid of the algae, many ways to skin a Cat's
tail. Some have different preferences.

But Bleach should certainly be on the list for folks.
Give them many different methods and then let them sort out and make their
own decision. Bleach is good dip for sterilizing any new organism being
added. I have not found a need for it personally (planted tanks) but Paul
likes it.

Salt, peroxide and other dips work also.
I see nothing wrong with the advice Richard gave.
You cannot cover every base etc in one little article or even a long one.
Questions and clarifications arise. Monthly print is tough to have a
dialogue vs the APD or better yet a simple in person conversation.
 
Regards, 
Tom Barr