AlgaeFix Marine to control Hair Algae

brandon429 said:
What populations are we sure it works on outside of the intended target? Did anyone notice a specific collateral loss or are we talking theoretical or strictly microbial/invisible losses

Start with nitrifying bacteria, we must assume it has some element of selectivity (at least in threshold maximums) among microorganisms since these don't die off while other x populations do...

Its helpful to know the specific unintended populations affected by this or any other systemic doser to at least get a real idea of what's going on, I figure af being a for profit doser has been tested, and someone might have specifics on how the biocide targets algae over nitrifiers?
Click to expand...

AF makes holes in the outside cell wall of algae which allows the contents of the cells to spew out. There was a post early in this thread where this was described. Not all cell walls of organisms are constructed the same, so the effects can vary. However the ingredient in AF is a biocide at higher concentrations which means it will kill bacteria, fungi, algae, cyano......etc at higher levels. How the lower concentrations of the AF ingredient differ on effects of micro-organism is a good question to which I have no answer. ;)
 
Cliff you know Im trying to extrapolate known effects of AF into some kind of explanation for how peroxide works and has minor selectivity, at least between nitrifiers and X target :) just a reach lol.
 
I have been using it for about 10 doses so far. After vaccuming out the majority of the existing GHA I have seen very little regrowth. The only problem I have noticed is that a cleaner shrimp and a peppermint shrimp died within 2 days of the first dose. I have had both shrimp for as long as my tank has been cycled. Other than that I ave noticed my zoas have slowly started to close and not reopen. I haven't had time to read through the entire thread but has anyone else had similar problems?
 
nam2212 said:
I have been using it for about 10 doses so far. After vaccuming out the majority of the existing GHA I have seen very little regrowth. The only problem I have noticed is that a cleaner shrimp and a peppermint shrimp died within 2 days of the first dose. I have had both shrimp for as long as my tank has been cycled. Other than that I ave noticed my zoas have slowly started to close and not reopen. I haven't had time to read through the entire thread but has anyone else had similar problems?
Click to expand...

I believe we have had a few incidences of lost shrimp. There has been a lost sea cucumber. Zoas have reacted by closing when AF is dosed. How they relate is impossible to say for sure, but IMHO, should take precautions with expensive shrimp, crabs and sea cucumbers. Zoas, usually survive OK from my recollections. :)
 
brandon429 said:
Cliff you know Im trying to extrapolate known effects of AF into some kind of explanation for how peroxide works and has minor selectivity, at least between nitrifiers and X target :) just a reach lol.
Click to expand...

Personally I would not try to extrapolate a comparison between AF and peroxide. ;)

It is my understanding that AF works by reacting differently than peroxide does with the outer cell wall of not only algae but all exterior surfaces of cells.

Peroxide is a strong oxidizer which breakes down most organic substances at high enough levels. Trying to determine the safe point for peroxide is difficult to accomplish IMHO. All exterior cell membranes of organisms are not constructed the same. Different proteins are present as well as other chemicals like in the case of diatoms, silicon components. Therefore peroxide can react differently for each organism it comes in contact with.

If peroxide which is considered a biocide as well as AF, were safe to use in a reef tank or freshwater aquarims as well as ponds, you would think the manufacturers would choose it as an algaecide in aquariums since it is relatively cheap to make. On the other hand, AF is much more expensive to make. I'm sure the manufacturer tested quite a few chemicals before they decided on using AF. IMHO, this should tell us something. ;)

Still many hobbyists have used perioxide over the years to control alage in ponds, fresh water aquariums and in your case in reef tanks successfully. As a last resort, I might try it as well, but hobbyists need to be warned about its dangers when using it. There is not a lot of room for error and few reef tank occupants have been properly tested scientifically as to how they deal with the peroxide. :)
 
inverts ??

inverts ??

Hi all,

Was just going throught this thread which has been very helpful.
Currently i have GHA issues, and just ordered algaefix.
Apart from all the corals and fish in my 15gallontank and 10 gallon refugium.
I have a cleaner shrimp and pistol shrimp.
Should i be worried about them if I am using this product ?
Plz advise ?
 
chilled_fire said:
Hi all,

Was just going throught this thread which has been very helpful.
Currently i have GHA issues, and just ordered algaefix.
Apart from all the corals and fish in my 15gallontank and 10 gallon refugium.
I have a cleaner shrimp and pistol shrimp.
Should i be worried about them if I am using this product ?
Plz advise ?
Click to expand...

No problem in my tank with inverts. Dont overdose...
 
For those of you who have used the product

Has anyone used this long term? I know the directions talk about a maintenance schedule but have seen several talked about killing cheato after 10-12 doses
 
is this hair algae

is this hair algae

Not sure if this is a form of hair algae...its starting to take over the tank. I want to use Algae Fix asap if so.
 
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