CHILLERS & HEATERS
2hr aquarist apt fix
The smarter way to treat algae.
Especially effective for BBA, hair/string/fuzz and most forms of filamentous algae.
Gently biodegrades completely.
Spot-dose up to 1ml per 10L every 24 hours.
an unfair advantage
The filter or CO2 diffuser gets clogged. Grandpa overfeeds the fish. The auto-timer takes an unannounced holiday.
These shocks ( seemingly insignificant to us) weaken plants and give algae a window of opportunity to spawn.
APT Fix works to rebalance the system by targeting the fundamental weakness of algae- their comparatively less developed protective cell walls. When spot-dosed per the recommended dosage, it instantly arrests algae growth while allowing plants to recover.
This is an effective approach for removing algae on hardscape: wood and rocks. Avoid this method for plants.
This is our usual approach to treat algae on plants. To increase effectiveness, pause the filter before spot-dosing. And don’t forget to turn the filter back on! Avoid this method for treating algae on Mosses, Liverworts (Riccardia and Riccia etc.) and Vallisneria (Tape Grass).
Most algae treatments use compounds that contain Copper, which is a powerful biocide.
The problem is that copper, like other heavy metals, accumulate over time and do long term damage to the tank’s ecosystem.
APT Fix uses an active compound that biodegrades naturally within 24hours, with no nasty residues.
The best natural defence against algae is a healthy dominant plant mass. Tanks with alot of exposed, un-planted areas are far more susceptible to algae, in the same way that fertile open fields invite weeds to grow.
Aim to have at least 70% of the substrate planted. Plants are like trees in a forest. With the right conditions, they naturally outcompete algae.
The top algae trigger is organic waste and decaying matter. Never over-stock a tank in its early months. Livestock waste contributes significantly to algae issues in new tanks (< 3 months old).
Regularly change water the 2Hr Way and remove old/ decaying leaves. Stem plants require replanting of the healthy tops after trimming once or twice. Old deteriorating stems invite algae to bloom.
The above shows the result of a single dose of APT Fix via spot-dose method. By Day 2, the inactive BBA would usually change color to red and/or white. These would either decompose, or serve as food for algae-eaters and other microorganisms. By Day 7, the leaf is now mostly free of algae.
The above shows the result of a single dose of APT Fix via the drain-dose method. By Day 2, the hair-algae has lost some of its green color. By Day 5, all the hair algae has been deactivated. You can remove it completely using a fine brush.
Can I just dose straight into the tank?
Yes, but this approach is less effective than spot-dosing or drain-dosing.
Can APT FIX treat cyanobacteria and BGA (blue-green algae)?
Yes. It is an effective treatment for cyanobacteria / BGA.
How often can I dose?
2Hr Aquarist APT Fix biodegrades naturally over 24 hours. So you can repeat the recommended dosage very 24 hours.
I have algae in my new tank!
The most effective way to avoid new-tank algae problems is to properly cycle the tank before planting and introducing fish.
Inadequate Cycling often results in Diatoms ( brown fuzz on the edges of leaves or thin, brownish spider-web like strands) or Green Water ( which is triggered by excess organic waste).
Read this post on tackling algae in new tanks.
While APT Fix will work against these forms of algae, it is better to simply have patience (in the case of Diatoms) or review the causes of Green Water as we describe in our guide below on the different types of algae.
Will it kill my plants?
Within the recommended dosage, no.
The exception? Plants that are already very weak.
Both algae and the plants will be similarly affected in such a case.
Also, avoid spot-doing on Mosses, Liverworts (Riccardia and Riccia etc.) and Vallisneria (Tape Grass) as their cell structures are much more similar to algae than other plants and are therefore more susceptible to being affected.
I have a very mature tank with lots of algae. Will FIX help?
Perhaps. FIX gives plants a temporary unfair advantage against algae, and this helps them recover.
However, plants that are already very weak may not benefit. In fact, FIX may affect them the same way as it impacts algae.
In a very mature tank, the signs that your plants may be very weak include:
a) Very little, or no new leaves over long periods.
b) Widespread algae on leaves.
c) Melting leaves.
Overall they might still look ‘OK’ but are extremely fragile. In such cases, FIX might affect them the way way it impacts algae.
The algae is gone but my leaves do not appear to be recovering?
As a rule, old leaves do not recover as plants channel their energies towards new growth and naturally discard older stems and leaves. You can rid the older leaves of algae, and delay their deterioration, but the leaves will generally not regain coloration or sheen. For most aquatic plants, long term tank maintenance involves routine replanting of the healthy tops, and removing old stems and roots.
Will it kill fish/ shrimp?
2Hr Aquarist APT Fix does not harm healthy fish, shrimp and other livestock within its recommended dosage. Of course, if you keep very sensitive livestock, you should avoid all products that give you any concern.
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