Question 1

does Equilibrium may cause green algae growth? i dose this product very precisely in my RO water, but green hair algae is out of control. Thanks!

Accepted Answer

At 4 months, the aquarium is early in its stabilization process, lots of things can contribute to algae growth: nutrient leaching from substrate, rocks, decorative wood, etc.  Also, in in the small water volume of a 12 gallon tank it's very easy for excess nutrients to build up quickly.A few thoughts:Feed your fish less.  They need less food than you might think, and a nutrient-rich diet means extra nutrients in the waste.  Excess phosphate (as well as excess nitrate) is the byproduct of excess feeding.  If you cut the feed quantity in half, it would be a long time before your fish showed any signs of malnutrition, if ever.Feed your plants less.  In fact, you may consider stopping any fertilization until the plants show signs of deficiency.  'Higher order' plants will out-compete algae for nutrients, but if there's plenty to go around, algae will win.Algae love red light.  Many folks with florescent light systems note an increase in algae growth as their tubes age and shift toward the red end of the spectrum.  Adding red light aids and abets the algae jailbreak.  Consider removing the red light input until the algae is under control.  Consider reducing the overall light exposure.  Maybe back off gradually to 4 hours a day.  Also, shield the tank from any strong natural light exposure.I'm a big fan of Purigen and Matrix.  I'm sure Renew is a fine product too, though I don't have any experience with it.  In general, the filter media will remove a good portion of the excess nutrients from the water column - but not as fast as algae will.  Reduce the nutrient input in the first place and there will be less the filter has to do.  Weekly water change is good.  Consider stepping up the substrate vacuuming to weekly as well.  Also, if you have a sponge in your Aquaclear (I like those filters) rinse it out in the tank water that you withdraw on a weekly basis.     Patience will be key - nothing happens fast in aquariums except disasters.  By reducing nutrients and favored light spectrum, algae will eventually subside.  (A personal opinion)  Don't be tempted to use any of the 'instant algae remover' products - they are herbicides that may or may not harm your plants, beneficial biota, and fish; but are toxins, and will not rid you of algae, only the current crop.  Long term, nutrient control is the solution.

Question 2

My tanks are already established, Can I add this to an established tank?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it has many micro trace elements.  I use RO water (Reverse Osmosis) for my aquarium and this product returns those missing elements and compounds that are needed.  But these do not support rampant growth of algae.

Question 3

How does this do for shrimp?  I have a heavily planted tank but there are shrimp in there.

Accepted Answer

Bamboo shrimp and filter feeders are the only ones sensitive to this.

Question 4

How will this affect the fish? Will this affect the same way like Seachem Replenish?

Accepted Answer

It does affect the fish since it raises the general hardness (GH) of the water. Make sure you keep the hardness at a level where both your fish and plants are happy. The exact level varies, depending on what type of fish and plants you have. But most will do well at around 5-8 degrees general hardness (dGH).  Also, never raise the hardness too quickly, otherwise your fish will get osmotic shock. After you raise it to the right level, you want to keep it stable by adding enough after each water change, like the directions say. The amount will depend on how hard your water is to begin with.

ASIN	B0006JLVX0
ASIN	B0006JLVX0
Allergen Information	Yam Free
Best Sellers Rank	#22,077 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #158 in Aquarium Water Treatments
Brand Name	Seachem
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,525)
Date First Available	June 15, 2004
Global Trade Identification Number	00000116044301
Included Components	all
Item Form	Liquid
Item Type Name	Aquarium conditioner
Item Weight	0.6 kg
Item model number	443
Liquid Volume	1 liters
Manufacturer	Seachem Laboratories, Inc.
Manufacturer	Seachem Laboratories, Inc.
Manufacturer Part Number	443
Model Number	443
Number of Items	1
Pet Type	Fish
Product Dimensions	8 x 3.7 x 3.6 inches; 1.32 pounds
Target Species	Fish
UPC	000116044301
Unit Count	300 Grams

Seachem Equilibrium 600 g / 1.3 lbs

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