Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have had my IBC's filled with water for about 6 months now (open to let the chlorine vent off). Before spring they were in direct sunlight. Today, they are shaded but have lots of algae around the base and sides of the tanks. I put (1) algae eater in each tank recently and the totes have no more algae on the walls.

My question is, is the algae good for systems? Any negative or drawback from using algae eaters?

Also, we built a lean-to over the IBC's but have not put the TIN over as of today. We will do that in a few weeks.

surface algae is a natural part of the system. it's not negative

algae eaters cleaning the algae doesnt hurt anything. I do it to keep the walls clean so i can see the fish easier.