ok, many of us faced this and some knows how to solve it while some dont.. Worst of all, even some of those who knows how to solve it are still unable to keep it under control despite taking all measures..
The most efficient method and most expensive method is the use of UV filtration.. But this is not an option to be considered for those with limited budget and those who never trust UV for other factors (Like me, I know it kills bacteria n clear/prevent pea soup, but I have phobia of UV boiling up my tank).. Another is to employ a filter media that is capable of filter fine substance but can be rather costly to maintain in long run..
The next effective and CHEAP method which is the main discussion topic - Veggie Filtration.. What's that? Basically, it is the use of plants.. Yes!! introducing some plant into your tank and the plants will start depriving your tank of the necessary nutrient for algae to bloom.. Simple?? actually it is not.. and that's not all about Veggie filtration.. we are only half way thru part 1 of Veggie filtration..
To correctly overcome pea soup situation using plants, you need to adopt only the required amount of plants.. too little will still not able to solve the problem and too much will lead to other problems... What problem can plants give?? I can name a few:
- Traffic congestion (taking up too much space in the tank)
- Depriving the tank of oxygen which can kill the fishes
- lowered oxygen level can affect tank cycle (death of bacteria colony)
- Increased Ammonia load resulting from rotting leaves
- mess up your tank when fish enjoy uprooting the plants
- choke up filters with loose leaves
So one must be careful and selective when choosing the rite type of plant to use.. and must use only the rite amount of plants only.. This will benefit the tank in many ways which will not be covered in this topic (another good topic to start!! or already started??)
Part II - another form of veggie filter - Barley Straw..
yes, using bundle of dried barley straw as part of your filtration system to overcome peasoup.. but the effect is not visible till at least 1 - 2 weeks after initial introduction.. bascially it does nothing.. it does not filter out anything, but it takes a while to be thoroughly soaked and takes more time for the barley straws to ferment... it is the fermentation process that release a form of juice that helps to clean up pea soup without affecting the fishes and the plants.. similarly, it also takes the required amount to keep the situation under control.. so far no side effect from over dose.. but it does take sometime for the effect to take place though..
another negative point about Barley Straw - it only control under water algae bloom but not water top.. meaning those floating plants, like Duckweed, if blooming, cannot be kept under control with the use of barley straw..
In all to say, barley straw is cheap, easy to install.. merely add in a bundle into your filter or setting up another canister with water running through it.. Just make sure it can be soaked and have water running through it n back into the tank constantly.. have some opening to allow for some air to enter to introduce fermentation, otherwise fermentation will take a longer if there isn't any opening..
that's it.. simple..
