Freshwater algaecide
Freshwater aquarium algaecides help control filamentous algae, spot algae, BBA (black beard algae), diatoms, and cyanobacteria, restoring clarity and plant health. Liquid solutions, "spot" gels, and competitive bacteria for targeted interventions.
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Types: liquid algaecides for in-tank treatments; bacteria/enzymes that compete with algae by reducing available nutrients; active oxygen formulations for specific cases.
When to use them: persistent algal blooms, new tank cycling, light/CO₂/nutrient imbalances. First, manually remove large amounts, prune compromised leaves, and improve circulation.
Good treatment practices: respect doses per liter, increase oxygenation, turn off UV/ozone and remove carbon/resins during the cycle (if indicated). After treatment, perform a 30–50% water change and reinstall chemical media.
Prevention (causes & corrections): consistent photoperiod, stable CO₂ (planted tanks), regular fertilization without excess, filter maintenance, and removal of detritus. In shrimp tanks, prefer shrimp-safe products and conservative doses.
Note: electronic purifiers (e.g., UV, electrolysis) are not chemical algaecides: you can find them in the "Water Purifiers (devices)" category.
Tip: combine mechanical action (brush/tweezers) + spot gel on critical areas and slightly reduce the photoperiod for 1–2 weeks. If you want to use an electronic purifier, use UV only: turn off the UV during the dosing of bacteria/algaecides and reactivate it after the water change in a maintenance cycle (e.g., 3–5 days). Avoid electrolysis devices in the presence of salts, medications, or in marine/brackish water: they can generate dangerous oxidants and be lethal to fish.
— Advice from the Hobby Pesca & Acquari Team
Warning: electrolysis/microbubble purifiers should not be used in marine or brackish water and are not recommended in the presence of saline/medicinal additives: they can generate oxidants (chlorine/hypochlorite) dangerous for fish and invertebrates. In these cases, use only a UV and turn off the UV during the dosing of bacteria/treatments.
