Quick Algae question

[Andrew_W]

I recently set up my 3foot tank.I've got 4 of my 6 T5 lights going from 7am to 10pm, and at the moment there are very few plants in the tank. The tank does get a bit of indirect sunlight during the morning....

Anyway the tank is starting to get green algae everywhere.

once the tank is heavily planted and the CO2 system is going, will this fix the problem, or do I need sort out my sunlight issue?

I have reduced my lighting to only 2 t5's at the moment to try and combat the problem.

[alanmin4304]

When you first set up a tank you normally get algae problems. This will be worse with strong light, plants not established and no added ferts. You may be best to plant heavily and reducethe light until the plants are established then add CO2 and ferts.

[Andrew_W]

I have JBL AquaBasis plus as substrate...or do you mean liquid ferts, like flourish excel?

[PuffaDragon]

cut the light down to about 8 to 10 hours a day that should help

[alanmin4304]

Even running 2 tubes until plants are established would help. Have a look on the plantgeek site---the Americans are keen on high light with added fertilizer regimes. But it is a balance because the plants have to be using the ferts or you get algae instead.

[Andrew_W]

thanks, I'll have look at that site tomorrow.