Algae and Barley straw

[TankofFish]

Has anyone ever tried barley Straw to get rid of algae in their aquarium? I have read it works even on the black beard algae. I'm thinking of trying to see if it works, I read its slow but natrual so I'm thinking of trying it out. Any info yall might have plz chime in.

[Guppysnail]

My vet uses it in his pond. He claims it is THE answer to algae. He also uses barley extract. 

Edited September 1, 2021 by Guppysnail

[Jungle Fan]

Never tried it myself other than in a pond I used to have in my backyard of a house before this one. It decomposes over about 3 - 4 months and while decomposing releases hydrogen peroxide and tannin which inhibit algae, it works best with lots of aeration. Always keep it in filter media bags unless you enjoy fishing for debris. I was a bit underwhelmed by its performance in the pond, and achieved better results by adding lots of plants and enlarging the pond with a planted bog section that essentially worked like a sump.

However I've heard several people claim they used it in their tanks with success by adding about a handful of it in a filter media bag either to their canister, or HOB and replacing it every three months. As a disclaimer I have to mention I never saw their tanks either in person, or in images.

Hope this helps.

[TankofFish]

On 9/1/2021 at 1:02 PM, Guppysnail said:

My vet uses it in his pond. He claims it is THE answer to algae. He also uses barley extract. 

 barley extract maybe the way to go 

[TankofFish]

On 9/1/2021 at 1:36 PM, Jungle Fan said:

Never tried it myself other than in a pond I used to have in my backyard of a house before this one. It decomposes over about 3 - 4 months and while decomposing releases hydrogen peroxide and tannin which inhibit algae, it works best with lots of aeration. Always keep it in filter media bags unless you enjoy fishing for debris. I was a bit underwhelmed by its performance in the pond, and achieved better results by adding lots of plants and enlarging the pond with a planted bog section that essentially worked like a sump.

However I've heard several people claim they used it in their tanks with success by adding about a handful of it in a filter media bag either to their canister, or HOB and replacing it every three months. As a disclaimer I have to mention I never saw their tanks either in person, or in images.

Hope this helps.

the one tank I want to try this in has lots of plants but  black beard algae is trying to take a foot hold no matter what I try. I really don't want to tear this tank down to get rid of it so I'm searching for natrual ways to take care of it.

[Jimfish98]

SAE, Amano Shrimp, Carbon (Excel was best for me), and then CO2 and Fertilizer so your plants can outcompete the BBA. 

[Jungle Fan]

I've noticed that sometimes too much added iron can cause a problem with BBA around the leaves of plants, especially Anubias.

[JoshStover]

I’ve never tried it in an aquarium but it works fantastic in my livestock’s water tanks and ponds from 40gal to 1 acre in size. Tractor supply sells it in small burlap bags that would be a good size for most tanks I’d say. If you try it keep us updated on your results 

[TankofFish]

I order some  barley extract this morning, I will update on how this works out in my tank.