2Hr Aquarist APT Fix Algae Treatment | 200ml / 300ml / 500ml

2Hr Aquarist APT Fix – Targeted Algae Treatment for Planted Aquariums

2Hr Aquarist APT Fix is a targeted algae treatment developed for planted aquariums and aquascapes. Designed for direct spot treatment, it is particularly useful against stubborn Black Beard Algae (BBA), hair algae, string algae, fuzz algae and other filamentous algae.

Instead of simply adding an algae treatment throughout the aquarium water column, APT Fix is designed to be applied directly onto affected areas, concentrating treatment where the algae has taken hold.

APT Fix is particularly suitable for aquarium hardscape and grown-in or established plants.

Available Sizes: 200ml, 300ml & 500ml.

Why Choose 2Hr Aquarist APT Fix?

APT Fix provides aquascapers with a targeted approach to nuisance algae.

It is particularly useful for:

• Black Beard Algae (BBA)
• Hair algae
• String algae
• Fuzz algae
• Other filamentous algae
• Algae growing on aquarium rocks
• Algae growing on driftwood
• Algae growing on established plants
• Localised algae outbreaks

Direct application allows you to concentrate treatment on problem areas rather than unnecessarily dosing the entire aquarium.

What Algae Does APT Fix Treat?

APT Fix is designed to tackle several common nuisance algae encountered in planted aquariums.

Black Beard Algae (BBA)

APT Fix can be applied directly to affected BBA.

Following successful treatment, inactive BBA may begin changing colour. According to the manufacturer’s application examples, inactive BBA commonly changes towards red or white by around Day 2, with the treated area becoming progressively clearer afterwards.

Hair, String & Fuzz Algae

APT Fix can also be used against hair algae, string algae, fuzz algae and other filamentous algae.

For heavy hair-algae growth, physically remove as much algae as practical before treatment. Remaining affected areas can then be treated directly with APT Fix.

Recommended APT Fix Dosage

For normal underwater spot treatment:

Spot-dose up to 1ml of APT Fix per 10 litres of aquarium water.

Apply the treatment directly onto affected algae using a pipette or suitable dosing tool.

Avoid directly spot-dosing fish, shrimp or other aquarium animals.

How to Use 2Hr Aquarist APT Fix

Step 1 – Identify the Algae-Affected Areas

Identify algae growing on rocks, driftwood, equipment or established plant leaves.

Where possible, manually remove excessive algae before treatment.

Step 2 – Pause Filtration Briefly

Briefly pause the aquarium filter or circulation for up to approximately 2 minutes.

This reduces immediate dispersion and gives APT Fix direct contact with the targeted algae.

Step 3 – Spot-Dose the Algae

Use a pipette to apply APT Fix directly onto the affected area.

For normal underwater spot treatment, use up to:

1ml per 10 litres of aquarium water.

Step 4 – Restart Filtration

Restart filtration and circulation after the brief treatment period.

Maintain good water movement and oxygenation following treatment.

Step 5 – Allow the Treated Algae to Break Down

Successfully treated algae does not necessarily disappear immediately.

Observe the treated areas over the following days as the algae becomes inactive and gradually breaks down or is consumed by aquarium organisms.

Treating Algae on Rocks & Driftwood

APT Fix is particularly useful for algae growing on aquarium hardscape.

For stubborn algae on rocks or driftwood, the water level can be lowered until the affected hardscape is exposed.

Apply APT Fix directly to the algae using a pipette.

After treatment, refill the aquarium and restore normal filtration and circulation.

This direct hardscape application can provide stronger contact with the affected algae than dosing into the water column.

Do not use the exposed-air/drain-dose method on aquarium plants.

Treating Algae on Aquarium Plants

For algae growing on established plants, use the normal pause-and-spot-dose method while the plants remain submerged.

Pause filtration briefly, apply APT Fix directly to the affected areas and then restore filtration and circulation.

For sensitive plants such as mosses, liverworts, Riccardia, Riccia and Vallisneria, use the gentler 2Hr Aquarist APT FixLite formulation instead.

What If You Need to Treat a Large Area?

For larger algae outbreaks, more treatment may sometimes be required to cover all affected areas.

If you exceed the normal 1ml per 10L spot-dosing limit, perform an 80% water change after spot dosing, following the manufacturer’s current instructions.

Maintain good aquarium circulation and oxygenation after treatment.

APT Fix vs APT FixLite – Which Should You Choose?

APT Fix and APT FixLite are both targeted algae treatments, but they are intended for different situations.

The manufacturer specifically recommends APT FixLite for mosses and more delicate plants, while APT Fix is recommended for hardscape and grown-in plants.

For mosses, Vallisneria and other sensitive aquarium plants, explore 2Hr Aquarist APT FixLite

APT Fix for Black Beard Algae (BBA)

Black Beard Algae is one of the most stubborn algae encountered in planted aquariums.

APT Fix allows the affected BBA to be treated directly rather than broadly dosing the entire aquarium.

According to the manufacturer’s treatment example, inactive BBA typically begins changing colour towards red and/or white by approximately Day 2, while the treated leaf can become largely clear of algae by approximately Day 7.

Results can vary depending on algae severity and aquarium conditions.

APT Fix for Hair Algae

APT Fix can also be applied directly to hair algae.

For dense growth, manually remove as much hair algae as practical first.

Remaining algae can then be spot-treated.

The manufacturer’s hardscape example shows hair algae losing colour around Day 2 and becoming deactivated by approximately Day 5 following treatment.

Spot Treatment vs Whole-Tank Dosing

APT Fix works best as a direct spot treatment.

Draw the required amount into a pipette and target the areas where algae has established itself, such as:

• Rocks
• Driftwood
• Aquarium equipment
• Tubing
• Older established leaves
• Other localised affected areas

This provides direct contact with the algae instead of simply dispersing the product throughout the water column. The manufacturer currently recommends direct application as the preferred method.

Long-Term Aquarium Algae Control

APT Fix treats existing algae, but recurring algae can indicate underlying aquarium conditions that also require attention.

For better long-term control, maintain:

• Healthy and actively growing plants
• Stable CO₂ where CO₂ injection is used
• Appropriate lighting
• Good aquarium circulation
• Regular water changes
• Removal of accumulated organic waste
• Consistent aquarium maintenance
• Removal of deteriorating or algae-covered leaves when appropriate

A healthy plant mass is an important natural defence against recurring algae.

APT Fix should therefore be used as a targeted treatment alongside good planted-aquarium husbandry, rather than as a substitute for correcting the conditions encouraging algae growth.

Which APT Fix Size Should You Choose?

APT Fix 200ml

The 200ml pack is suitable for nano and smaller planted aquariums, occasional spot treatment or aquarists trying APT Fix for the first time.

APT Fix 300ml

The 300ml pack provides a practical size for small to medium planted aquariums and regular algae-management use.

APT Fix 500ml

The 500ml pack is better suited to larger planted aquariums, multiple aquariums or aquascapers who regularly maintain planted tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2Hr Aquarist APT Fix?

2Hr Aquarist APT Fix is a targeted algae treatment for planted aquariums, particularly suitable for treating nuisance algae on hardscape and established plants.

What algae does APT Fix treat?

APT Fix is particularly useful against Black Beard Algae (BBA), hair algae, string algae, fuzz algae and other filamentous algae.

How much APT Fix should I use?

For normal spot treatment, use up to 1ml per 10 litres of aquarium water.

Should I turn off my aquarium filter when using APT Fix?

Briefly pause filtration for up to approximately 2 minutes while applying APT Fix directly onto the targeted algae. Restore filtration and circulation afterwards.

Can I use APT Fix directly on aquarium rocks and driftwood?

Yes. APT Fix is particularly suited to hardscape treatment.

For stubborn hardscape algae, the water level can be lowered to expose the affected rock or wood before applying APT Fix directly.

Can APT Fix be used on aquarium plants?

APT Fix can be spot-treated on grown-in or established plants using the underwater pause-and-dose method.

For mosses and more delicate plants, use APT FixLite instead.

Can I use the drain-dose method on aquarium plants?

No. The manufacturer recommends the exposed-air/drain-dose approach for hardscape and advises avoiding this method on plants.

Should I use APT Fix or APT FixLite for moss?

Use APT FixLite for mosses and other delicate plants.

What should I do if I exceed 1ml per 10L?

If a larger area requires treatment and you exceed the normal 1ml/10L limit, perform an 80% water change after spot dosing.

How quickly does APT Fix work on BBA?

The manufacturer’s example shows inactive BBA beginning to change colour around Day 2, with the treated area largely clear by around Day 7.

How quickly does APT Fix work on hair algae?

In the manufacturer’s treatment example, hair algae began losing colour around Day 2 and was deactivated by approximately Day 5.

Learn More About 2Hr Aquarist APT Fix

For current application instructions and additional manufacturer information, visit:

Official 2Hr Aquarist APT Fix Product Information