Im learning to like *some* algae

[CassieLEO]

For months now Ive been buying peices of Mopani driftwood from Petco that they have in their tanks. The reason I do, is because I totally love how they are covered in the bristle algae and look really pretty in my tank. I currently have 8 peices of it in my tank. I dont have a algae problem in my tank or anything, but I just love the way this wood looks. The snails are all over it and I see my fish pick at it all the time. Ive used it from the begining, and never had a issue with it being in there. Does anyone else like the way this looks on some stuff in their tank?

[fishluvr]

im not a fan of petco/petsmart or other larger retailer stores, for the simple reason that they use one central filtration system, meaning if something goes wrong in one tank (ick, hole in the head, cotton mouth etc ) since all the tanks are filtered through each other then all tanks and inhabitants can come down with it.

They are a huge example of why you should have a quarentine tank if you plan to buy live stock from them.

My favorite LFS has a seperate filter system for each of there tanks, if one comes down with a disease and has to be treated, then can shut that tank down and they mark it with a green sticker. anyone who frequents them regularly knows when they see that sticker, that the tank is being treated and nothing can/will be sold from it. They also do this when they get new stock in, and they quarantine the tank

[Cliff]

Actually, I've been growing algae on rocks in the sump for my 90 gallon SW tank. I just rotate the rocks form the sump to the tank every week or so so my snails and fish have some snacks.

I get long, hair algae, on the rocks and it looks kinda cool when I first put a new rock in the tank. I kinda like how it waves in the water with the current, like long grass in the wind.

I've got almost no algae in my main tank so it's nice to see a little color change from time to time

[KatzeSlaugen]

it varies from store to store with filtration. the two big box stores near me dont use central filtration for all the tanks. the one has 2 filters and the other (with a wall of tanks) uses IIRC what the manager said 4 filters.

i also love algae i grow my own in a large circular glass thing, and the only algae in the aquarium i clean off are on the two sides i view

[Taurus]

The snails are all over it and I see my fish pick at it all the time. Ive used it from the begining, and never had a issue with it being in there. Does anyone else like the way this looks on some stuff in their tank?

I do, and it's good for the fish. Some makes the tank look more natural.

[Wild Turkey]

I agree, algae can be eyesore to some but thats where the downsides end for the most part. Most algae is beneficial and some algae is quite beautiful imo.

When I still had some non planted tanks I would let the green algae take over but not clean it off the back of the tank to produce a kind of algae wall background.

[CassieLEO]

It really does add something to the tank. FishLuvr I am aware of the benefits of a quarantine tank. My wood is quarantined, and ive never had a issue. The big box stores in my area are very well maintained. My LFS, however, I wouldnt buy a fish from if it was the last fish in the world. I have to drive 2 HOURS to get to a specific fish store I like that has good stock!!!

[Taurus]

When I still had some non planted tanks I would let the green algae take over but not clean it off the back of the tank to produce a kind of algae wall background.

That kinda of what I do since I do have non-planted tanks. But I don't let it get out of hand.

[Lady Hobbs]

Hummmmm.....how did this thread go from algae to the filtration in big box stores in one post? Cassie, I had some really weird algae growing on a piece of wood once that I thought was very cool. I liked it a lot but was afraid it would take over so killed it. But it was very neat-o, I thought. Glad you like your new wood!

[kingkarter]

I only like algae in my if it's green.