Hello from Toti

I tried to take some better closeup pictures of the other plant in my tank. No idea, please help to identify. I also noticed some "hair algae" on some of the amazon sword in the left back corner. Is it time to get an algae cleaner to assist in keeping the tank clean or should i just clean the plants myself, have been searching this forum to get the right algae eater for my mixed tetra and danio tank, but majority of them seem useless in controlling algae, any ideas or suggestions?



I'm also testing to see if these so called semi aquatic plant that I have in my garden is compatible for fish tanks, these thing grow everywhere, I even have one growing in no direct sunlight, in a durty water bucket during the winter, here is the picture of the plant, can anyone identify this for me please?

 

Sorry, Can't help with the plant ID, but if you're looking for Algae eating fish, I would go for 3 or so Otocinclus. They are awesome little fish that tends to do a really good job of controlling algae. They can be a bit hard to find, and when you do, you need to be careful about introducing them to your tank as they are often stressed and weak. I haven't lost any yet, but apparently lots of people lose theirs in the first week.

I don't know if I would worry too much about the algae though. Some algae is a natural part of any tank, and it's usually more of an aesthetic issue unless it completely takes over. I have a magnetic glass cleaner that I use to keep the front of the tank clean, but everywhere else I don't bother.

 

My thoughts exactly, I have to look very closely to see the algae on ONE of the plants, would snails be another option, I've read that they can multiply like rabbits if you don't keep their numbers in check.

 

As somebody that finally managed to get his snail problem in check, I'll tell you that you don't want to introduce them.. I don't think they helped that much with the algae in any case either. I got some eggs on plants that I put in and my tank (I never saw any snails) and was completely overrun by snails in a couple of weeks. I had to put in a yoyo loach just to get them under control.

 

@KillerBunny, thxs for the advice. The LFS said if I really want to I can just snip the leaves that has some algae. Thxs for all the advise, this is one of the best sites I've come around for fellow fish lovers. I also checked my "test" plant this evening and already there is new growth, the leaves are in perfect shape, but only time will tell if they can withstand an aquarium life. I should know in 2 weeks time if they will survive.

 

Just and update and a question. The plant I'm testing seems very happy for a new life in a tank, a new root and 5cm of leaf is testament to this, all this in 4 days. I will keep it in the test tank another 2 weeks just to make 100% sure, below is some pics of the growth and leafes.





I also removed the 3 Gold Zebra Danios. The 2 females are full of eggs and the 1 skinny male is swimming like a fish possessed and not doing another to the females. Since I moved them to the second (test) tank, both the Neon and Black Tetras have changed in mood, swimming more freely, that is my observation anyway. The Danio's were domonating the tank. What other fish would you recommend (currently 5 X Neon's and 3 X Black Tetra), maybe 3 male guppies, I don't want to play creche anytime soon?

 

So I was able to identify this plant, Syngonium podophyllum, and after some research is is actually poisonous to fish if eaten. Pity and it was growly nicely and fish was enjoying the cover it provided. None the less, the wife is busy removing them from my two tanks. So sad that something this beautiful must be painful.