Algae thread make me think....

[Ellen4God]

Many of you have seen the picture of my 10g (I'll attach it just in case), and if you've noticed, I have a clear jar in the tank. I've just recently tilted it up some..sort of "planting" the back of it into the gravel (I've also "planted" the rocks more instead of just having them "tossed" in there). Well, the jar always gets a LOT of algae in it. And it just dawned on me tonight that it's because there isn't really any water movement in it. The filter is located on the back of the tank actually right "above"/"behind" the glass jar. Is there anyways I can help combat this algae - other than cleaning it out constantly? My otos don't go in to clean it out - ever.

Any ideas?

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Can I ask what the purpose of the jar is? Is it mearly for decoration? If so you may want to consider removing it. If it is to provide a cave for something then that's another story. You could put some Java moss over it to put it in the shade, that way there would be no light getting through it to feed the algae.

[Ellen4God]

Yes, it is mainly for decoration. And as a hiding spot/cave, but the fish don't use it very much. I may try the java moss idea - I think that would look nice. I've been wanting to make a coconut cave. Maybe I'll do that soon.

[Bobo the Clown Loach]

Just be sure to securely attach the java moss to the jar. I've found that if you don't tie it down or anchor it in some way it will move around everywhere. I love java moss and hate it at the same time.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

The other thing to consider, Glass is non-porus so the Java moss may not attach to it.

[NickFish]

You could try and tilt the jar towards the stream, or I guess another (though not the best looking) solution would be to aim a small powerhead at it, like the maxi-jet 400 or a hydor koralia (you're gonna get insane flow with that, I have 2 koralia 800s in my 72G, and the fish have to work to get to their food).
But with something as clear as a glass jar, even very small amounts of algae will be noticed, I doubt you can get rid of it all. Spot-treating with Excel would help in a pince.

[jbeining75]

Just tie the java moss around the jar... It will not attach but it will grow and hide from sight whatever you used to attach it. Good luck Ellen

[SkarloeysMom]

I like the jar because its different but it doesn't sound like its not working out too well. I guess the fish don't use it much because it really doesn't provide any cover since its see through. If the jar is just decor and its a pain maybe its time to go ahead with the coconut cave idea. Love you tank BTW!

[travie]

You could try drilling a hole into the back. Not a big hole, but big enough to allow water movement through the jar.

[Tooch]

I like the jar because its different but it doesn't sound like its not working out too well. I guess the fish don't use it much because it really doesn't provide any cover since its see through. If the jar is just decor and its a pain maybe its time to go ahead with the coconut cave idea. Love you tank BTW!


This kind of stuff doesn't typically bother fish, from what I understand. They make those clear plastic tubes they sell to people for Ghost Fish to hide in. Another trick is to just lean a flat rock against the glass They can hide under the rock, but in plain view of everyone outside.

You could try attaching the moss with fishing line. If you silaconed the jar to a flat rock and attached the moss, eventually it would start to grow over the rock as well, and you'll have a nice little decoration! It'd look like a moss cave

[Ellen4God]

So many ideas!!!! I can't decide what to do. lol I really want to make a coconut cave - can you even get coconuts right now? I may wait until April when we're on Spring Break to attempt making one. we'll see

[Rue]

I like a touch of algae on the decorations...makes it look more natural...

But if the glass isn't cutting it...terra cotta plant pots work...you can leave them as is...or cut them in half...I think they look nice too...