Algae chips

Mike120 · Post by **Mike120** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:46 pm

This sounds like a weird question, but can i scrape the algae out of my aquarium and dry it in the windowsill for the crabs to eat? Some of you know that I'm struggling with an algae problem in my 20g, and I was thinking of how I could benefit from it, and this is the idea I came up with. Is it safe? Would they eat it?

Mike120 · Post by **Mike120** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 2:53 pm

Anyone?

Mike120 · Post by **Mike120** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:39 pm

Nobody?

samurai_crab · Post by **samurai_crab** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 1:27 pm

I really have no clue if it would be safe, it doesn't sound harmful. Also not sure if they would go for it or not.

Mike120 · Post by **Mike120** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 4:02 pm

I'm just wondering if the algae has any natural properties that would possibly be fatal? Thanks for responding.

Unknown10101 · Post by **Unknown10101** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 4:03 pm

What about the water in the tank? Is that safe? Will you be adding any chemicals to the tank that could possibly harm the hermit crabs?

Mike120 · Post by **Mike120** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 11:52 am

The only thing I've added to the tank in the last couple years is Dechlor-Eaze during water changes.

Alma · Post by **Alma** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 1:25 pm

sorry to say but i really don't know. If it were me I wouldn't.

Mike120 · Post by **Mike120** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 1:58 pm

Eh...okay, thanks anyway. I don't think I'll do it, too much of a hassle.

Alma · Post by **Alma** » Sun May 01, 2011 9:47 am

I was going to say that maybe it's too much work doing that but I thought if u really want to do it then u should just do it. sorry u didn't get much help with ur question.

Unknown10101 · Post by **Unknown10101** » Sun May 01, 2011 10:24 am

I think your first step is to find out what kind of algae is in your tank. Here's a list of common fish tank algae:
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/algae-c ... golden.php
If you could classify it, it may be easier to figure out if it is eligible for hermit crabs or not.

Mike120 · Post by **Mike120** » Sun May 01, 2011 1:41 pm

It's just plain green algae. I've taken the more persistent approach to the algae so it isn't coming back as bad, so it's better for the fish. The main reason I wanted to use it was because I read that hermits should have "sea plants" in their diet, and this was on the list of plants available. Is there anything that I can get from the store that would classify as a "sea plant"?

IBlab crab · Post by **IBlab crab** » Mon May 02, 2011 2:32 am

Dried seaweed,for example nori,dulse. I know Wholefoods store carries some organic brands

samurai_crab · Post by **samurai_crab** » Mon May 02, 2011 10:35 am

Some pet stores also carry dried seaweed in their saltwater area, the area with salt and all the reef tank additives, or sometimes with the fish food. I know you are a bit away from a pet store and honestly seaweed from the grocery if you can find it is probably cheaper.

Unknown10101 · Post by **Unknown10101** » Mon May 02, 2011 1:59 pm

If you have any Asian supermarkets or Asian restaurants, they may carry seaweed.