Barley Straw

[Sunster]

My tank gets alot of indirect sunlight - a continual battle with suspended algae - GREEN WATER! I've been doing some research on Barley Straw. It's mostly used in ponds but I was wondering if I could place it in a media bag or container and use it in my tank.
Does anyone use this or have any information regarding the use of Barley Straw in an african tank?

Appreciate any feedback - Sunny

[jonah]

I know it works in ponds, but I've never heard of it being used in a tank. I wonder if gypsum would work with suspended algae like it does with suspended dirt? That's an old ranch trick for clearing muddy farm ponds.

[Sunster]

Gypsum? - With barley straw I'm more concerned with any harm to my fish. I'd like to at least try it but wasn't sure since it kind of rots or molds.

[SGypsyMermaid]

you might be better off buying an "oxygenator" which operates on the same principle. try a google search using: oxygenator and aquarium. i know that 'that fish place' used to carry them.

[Sunster]

So barley straw is not a good idea? Will it harm the fish or what?

sunny

[SGypsyMermaid]

Originally posted by Sunster
So barley straw is not a good idea? Will it harm the fish or what?

sunny

i'm not saying that it's a bad idea or that it would hurt the fish...i just think that the other way would be less hassle.

[Chris Garrett]

In a confinement such as an aquarium you should stay away from big water tricks.I'd say stick to the commercial filter medias available and proven to work and not be harmful to your fish.Like you suggested the straw will decompose and may actually be worse for your water quality than you have now.The inital cost of the medias may seem high but you'll see how far they go.What I'd do is go to aquarium world and ask them what they suggest or your pet shop you use in H-Town.Not very often I see a local on these forums.Brenham,Tx here Good luck

[Sunster]

Thanks for the feedback Chris....but.....I have placed a 2"X1" square of barley straw in a media bag in my Emp 400. My local LFS's always suggest bottled products to clear water etc. I think that these are more harmful to the fish than something natural like B-straw. I ran a Vortex Diatom for about and hour and cleared the water completely - now I'm hoping that the straw will help keep it that way. BTW - Aquarium World is out. Try Ultimate Fish on Kuykendahl next time you're in the big H...they specialize in Cichlids. ----- sunny