API Algaefix

tropical1 · 03-05-2008, 05:46 PM

anybody on here use a thing called ageafix by api? i did some search on it and everyone had good things to say about it. i got some jsut to add everyonce in a while to delete the algea since i dont like algea eaters. just a question, when i added the amount recoimmended, it turned the water really hazy. just curious how long till this clears up.

Tommy Gun · 03-05-2008, 09:55 PM

Hello again tropical1!

While I have never used that exact product, I have used another brand of algaecide and found out the hard way that they can hurt as much, if not more, than they can help. Long story short, it did work on the algae after the first (and only) dose, but it also took out most of my fish as well. So, if anything, you probably should approach them with caution.

The bad news is that it is pretty much impossible to have a completely algae free tank at all times and based upon my observations, a lot of us might feel as though a small amount of algae is an emergency when it really isn't bad at all. In fact, seeing algae growth in your tank can actually be a positive sign to some extent.

On the other hand, the good news is that there are a few different ways where we can keep algae to a minimum without the use of chemicals, nor with algae eaters. For example, making sure that nitrAte and phosphate levels are within reason, using the right type/amount/length of lighting over the tank, and avoiding things like over feeding, among others.

Jay · 03-06-2008, 06:45 AM

IME...that product can, and will, kill everything in your tank.

Your tank will clear up when it recovers from the damage to the bio-system the first dose caused.

Regards,
Jay

tropical1 · 03-06-2008, 05:33 PM

yeah i wish i would have read this abotu 24 hours ago. this morning i awake to 6 dead fish in the tank and the water completely hazy.so i did a emergenccy 30% change and gonna wait till tomorrow to do another. i lost 6 black neons but 2 servived and 3 orange platys survived too. that is the last time i will ever put a chemical in the tank besides water cinditioner. i am so upset still that i cant even look at the other fish right now. they are doing good though. fed them and all is still weill.

Jay · 03-06-2008, 06:01 PM

I'm sorry for your catastrophe.

I would suggest you nip over to the planted tank forum to discuss how to deal with algae issues.

Regards,
Jay

tropical1 · 03-06-2008, 06:32 PM

well i didnt have a bad problem, just a little algea on the fake decor. i didnt want a algea eater so i was gonna do this. well this bottle is going to the trash and i am gonna see waht the lfs is gonna do for selling me this. they all said, yeah it works good, its safe for your fish and live plant

tony · 03-17-2008, 02:15 PM

Pass out the torches and pitchforks!!!!

fernival brainard · 03-20-2008, 10:23 AM

Out of 6 tanks, I have one 10 gal. that is constantly plagued by algea, the kind that tints the water green, not the growing on everything kind. Much to Jay's dimay, I'm sure, I use API algea fix in this tank only. In just a few hours of adding the drops the water is crystal clear and so far, (been using it in tank for over a year) I have lost no fish and all of my plants are fine, my nanas are blooming even. I do adjust the dosages slightly. The bottle says 14 drops per 10 gal. but I only use 10 drops. Never had my bio system crash from using it and never had my water haze up either.

But, I always do a water change on the same day that I add the algea killer. at a 30% one. The tank is stocked with 8 zebra danios and a betta and the tinyest royal plec I have ever seen.

It sucks that you had bad luck with yours and good luck getting the fish store to handle up on the expenses from that loss. YOu may be better off to contact API labs instead.

Regards,
fern

tropical1 · 03-20-2008, 06:00 PM

yeah i have since got my tank looking back to its wonderful crystal clear water. i wrote a email to api telling them what had happened. they have yet to reply to me. i guess the dont really give a sh** about us.