eSHa Protalon 707: Does the "Famous" Algae Treatment Still Work?
If you've been in the hobby for a while, you’ve probably heard of eSHa Protalon 707. It’s legendary for being one of the few algicides that actually kills algae without also killing your expensive aquarium plants. But in an era of high-tech aquascaping and specialized fertilizers, is this old-school 2-bottle system still relevant?
The Secret: The 2-Bottle System
Unlike many "single-dose" algae treatments that use harsh chemicals to shock the system, Protalon 707 uses two separate liquids that interact over a 7-day period.
- Bottle A: Focuses on the algae's metabolism, weakening it and making it vulnerable.
- Bottle B: Acts as the killing agent and provides a growth boost to higher plants to help them outcompete the dying algae.
The 7-Day Dosing Schedule
What Algae Does it Target?
Protalon 707 is exceptionally effective against:
- Filamentous Algae: Hair algae, String algae.
- Beard/Brush Algae: Black Beard Algae (BBA) - though this may require a second course.
- Blue-Green Algae: Cyanobacteria.
- Green Water: Suspended algae.
Maximizing Success with Protalon
To get the most out of the treatment, follow these expert guidelines:
- Manual Removal: Before Day 1, remove as much algae as you can by hand. This reduces the "organic load." When large amounts of algae die at once, they consume massive amounts of oxygen and can cause an ammonia spike.
- Clean the Filter: After the 7-day course is finished, perform a water change and gently rinse your filter media in tank water. You will likely find a large amount of "muck"—this is the dead algae that was sucked into the intake.
- CO2 and Light: Keep your CO2 and lighting schedules normal. Protalon works best when the plants are actively growing and "out-competing" the weakened algae.
Safety for Fish and Invertebrates
Standard fish (Tetras, Rasboras, etc.) are perfectly safe. However, like many eSHa products, it contains trace amounts of copper. Sensitive snails like Nerites may be affected, and keeping high-grade shrimp during the treatment is not recommended. If you're wondering about the general compatibility of this brand with your inverts, check our shrimp-safe guide. Common pest snails usually survive without issue.
Conclusion
Protalon 707 remains one of the most reliable and safe algae treatments on the market. It doesn't solve the cause of the algae (which is usually a light or nutrient imbalance), but it is a fantastic "reset button" for a beautiful planted tank that has become overgrown.
Written by Richard James
Aquarist, author, and creator of ShrimpKeeper.co.uk. Helping hobbyists achieve professional results through precision dosing.
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