String Algae Control

[stanleyc]

I've been having a problem with string algae lately and was wondering how I can control it. I'm thinking about adding some snails in. Can you guys recommend species of snails or other critters that will clean out the algae but leave my java moss, Java fern, and elodea alone?

Thanks

 

[Chinadog]

I don't know any snails that will eat string algae. Japonica shrimp will, not in huge quantity's, though.
Have you run a nitrate or phosphate test recently? String algae is normally a sign that there are excess nutrients in the water.

 

[Bette]

And in all seriousness, get yourself some tiny midge fly larvae! Ever since they took up residence in a few of my tanks, all that annoying green algae has been cleaned beautifully from the brazilian pennywort and sagittaria. They eat organic matter and algae.

 

[eyrops]

Are these chironomid larvae (bloodworms) or another sort of midge?

-Steve Morse

 

[Bette]

They are a much smaller variety than blood worms. This link has some info...

Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Invaders: Photographs