MICROBE-LIFT Algaway 5.4 Algae Remover, 8 oz

MICROBE-LIFT Algaway 5.4 is an algaecide for freshwater and saltwater aquariums, ornamental ponds and fountains without outflow. It targets green water, hair algae and string algae. It is EPA Registered. This is the 8 Ounces bottle (ALGAA08).

Important invertebrate warning

The safety picture differs between fresh and salt water. In freshwater, MICROBE-LIFT says it is not safe for snails, shrimp, clams or crustaceans. In saltwater and reef tanks, it says it will not harm corals, coralline algae, snails, shrimp, anemones, clams or other invertebrates, and will not affect protein skimmers. Read the label carefully before dosing a freshwater shrimp or snail tank.

How to apply it

1. Scrape and remove as much algae from the glass and decor as you can first.
2. Dose near the filter outflow so it mixes quickly.
3. Repeat every 3 days until the algae is under control, then weekly for maintenance, as the label directs.

Watch oxygen

When a lot of algae dies at once, its breakdown uses oxygen. Add aeration with an air stone during treatment and watch fish for gasping at the surface. Removing dead algae and doing a water change helps.

Fix the cause too

Algae grows from excess light and nutrients. An algaecide clears the current bloom, but it will return unless you shorten the photoperiod, cut feeding, keep up water changes and remove decaying material. In planted tanks, healthy plants are the best long-term algae control. API’s AlgaeFix is a similar product if you want to compare.

Ponds and fountains

For small ponds and fountains without outflow, the same approach applies: remove what you can, dose, aerate and address sunlight and nutrient load.

Who should use it

Keepers fighting a stubborn bloom in a fish tank or small pond who have already addressed light and nutrients. For freshwater invert tanks, choose manual removal instead.