scrubbing algae off rocks

[Axis of Weasel]

should I scrub algae off rocks while the rocks are in the tank or not? does it make a difference?

i'd be using a new cheapo toothbrush if in tank

[gm72]

If you want to keep the algae in the tank then yes, scrub in the tank. If it is a nuisance then no, remove the rock and then scrub.

[Billythefish]

If you fast your fish once a week the fish will eat the alge and this in tern will save you this job

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Billy, that depends on what kind of fish you have. Depending on what kind of algae you have on the rocks, cleaning them may be whole lot easier than using a toothbrush on them. The right kind of algae can actaully be taken care of with Hydrogen Peroxide. The other thing you can do is dip the rocks in a light bleach solution. By putting half a cup of bleach into 5gal of water in a seperate bucket, you can soak the rock for about 5 minutes and it should kill most of the algae. Then just give it a good rinse in water with about 4 times the recommended dechlorinator.

[Lady Hobbs]

I just did that today. I put them in bleach water, scrubbed them then soaked them in clear water.

[Billythefish]

I think you have a point, but thats what i do and it works for me!

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I just did that today. I put them in bleach water, scrubbed them then soaked them in clear water.

You don't add any extra dechlor to the water? That's interesting. COuld you post the reasoning behind that?

[Ark6ie]

i dont have to scrub algae off any off my rocks as all my tanks have either bristlenoses or some species of pleco in them lol

[angelcakes]

my panaque makes agood job of my algea,proven point when they have been fasting :19:

[Blue Ram]

I only scrub it off the glass. On the rocks it makes it look more natural. On the glass though it looks kinda scummy.