Credit Card Uses

I have lately been struggling to get rid of some hard algae from the tank glass. Using the algae magnet only removes the soft algae, so after doing some research on the Internet, I discovered that using a hard plastic object, like a credit card, should remove most of the algae. So with nothing to loose, I found an old card and gave it a go. Worked really well and got rid of most of the algae.

Cleaning Crew

I have noticed an increase in algae growth on the bogwood over the last two weeks and decided I had better do something about it. After a bit of research I discovered that Mollies (Poecilia sphenops) like to eat algae as part of their diet, so I bought four today to help keep the algae growth down in the tank. Of course doing regular water changes helps reduce the amount of algae growth, but having a cleaning crew helps as well.

We bought four different coloured ones, total black male, white and with black spots female, total white female and a total orange female. The white and orange ones are settling in and have already started eating some of the algae. The other two are currently a bit skittish and are hiding below the filter or amongst the plants.

I also decided to get two female guppies to keep the remaining male happy. He appears to be happy and is already chasing them around the tank.

Cleaning preparation

I have decided to do a water change and gravel clean tomorrow, as the gravel is showing signs of dirt in it. So tonight I am doing a bit of preparation for tomorrow's clean. I have removed the algae growth from the glass using my Algae Magnet. This will give the removed algae time to settle on the gravel so that tomorrow it can be sucked up with the gravel cleaner. I have also filled up a large bucket of water to stand overnight so that the Chlorine in the water can evaporate. Don't want to kill off any of the bacteria that help keep the tank in working order. With that all sorted, I am ready to clean.

First unofficial guest

I decided to give the tank glass a clean as I thought the glass was starting to look a bit cloudy. Using the algae magnet, which are two magnets, one with a rough fabric for cleaning the glass on the inside of the tank and the other with a smooth fabric that is used on the outside, I was able to remove the beginnings of the algae and dirt that was starting to accumulate on the glass. This proved to be quite necessary and I will make this a weekly routine in summer, probably a day before I do a gravel clean and water change, giving the removed bits time to settle on the bottom so that they can be removed with the clean.    

While cleaning around the thermometer, I noticed a small snail attached to the thermometer, making it the first unofficial guest to be staying at the Fish Hotel. It probably came with the plants I bought and I will probably find more with time. They can add another dynamic to the tank, as long as they do not get out of control. I am sure a few will also become a fish take-away when the fish start arriving, but I am starting to get ahead of myself.