108L Rimless

[N1CK]

Do some EI dosing , overdoes the ferts/CO2 and 50% W/C at the end of the week (prob need more plants for that though)

[SamH]

The plants are growing, just covered in algae :-? I was wondering if I should turn off the CO2 when the lights are off, I have other times.

@ N1CK, would that work?!

[JazzyJeff]

My otto's never ate the brown algae

What will eat the brown algae?

[phoenix44]

look, its a phase that is going to happen no matter what you do (or don't) do...

if it bothers you that much rub the algae off with a tooth brush or something.. take the plants out clean them, and put them back..

GAE's and whiptails eat brown algae. My ottos loved brown algae.

[SamH]

Thanks for the advise P44 I will just keep up the daily 10L water changes and siphon off the algae if possible.

[N1CK]

If you have enough plants I see no reason why it shouldn't

The logic behind it is that it removes nutrients as a limiting factor of plant growth, leaving only the need for Light/CO2. then you need to start pumping CO2 as this is the next easiest thing to get to good levels

Then, All you need to worry about is get the light correct

Although 50% water changes once a week are the best thing too do (means no skipping them!) as it resets the nutrient levels

this should help the plants to out compete the algae and give them less than ideal growing conditions

P.S Advice is spelt with a C btw

[SamH]

Added a small pump just to get some more flow through the hairgrass, algae seems to build up in "dead" spots even on growing plants :-?

Hairgrass from the front. Note the new growth coming through

Hairgrass from the top. Shows the horrible algae at its best

Polysperma and algae

The black sand that's been filtered out by the diffuser flow

[SamH]

Dear Algae Geeks,

What is causing my tank to have green water and brown algae at the same time? Photoperiod is around 8-10hours last time I checked, little bit of DIY CO2 and no ferts.

[SamH]

How can I fix this?

Thanks!

[Jennifer]

Those plants are not nearly enough to outcompete the algae. Remember, lights, CO2 and ferts need to be in balance, as you increase one, you need to increase the others or you will be all out of whack. Also, the faster your car goes (increase in CO2, lights, ferts) the bigger the mess if it goes wrong (it will go wrong a lot faster than a low tech tank).

If I were you I would throw in a big bunch of fast growing stem plants in the corner (don't panic, you can remove them later). Then you need to start fertilising if you have a 10 hour photperiod and CO2. Not too much all of a sudden - slow and gradual to bring the plants up to speed and discourage the algae. Bring the lights, CO2 and ferts up to the same level.

[alanmin4304]

My guess would be that the P to N ratio is out. Generally algae is a problem when you have too much phosphate. On some sites they suggest adding nitrate but this could be that here we are pretty spoiled and the water is generally low in contaminants. Many of the water supplies in some countries have been through 6 animals and 10 people before you get it in your tap so it is carrying a lot of added stuff. The plants you have are not well established or using a lot of nutrient so your nutrient levels will be high.

JENNIFERH YOU GOT IN FIRST

[Jennifer]

JENNIFERH YOU GOT IN FIRST

I learned from the best Alan.

Sam, you could also try adding a little bit of potassium (Seachem Potassum) as that will help the plants utilise Phosphorus however, there currently aren't many plants there to utilise it! :roll:

[SamH]

If I were you I would throw in a big bunch of fast growing stem plants in the corner (don't panic, you can remove them later).

Isn't Hygrophlia polysperma a fast growing stem plant? :-?

So should I start on the PMDD then? If so, what ratio is it? 1 tsp to ___ml water?

[Jennifer]

Yes, it is fast growing but those are just sproutlets. you need lots more plants that are actively growing to soak up the nutrients & CO2. Add ferts slowly when you get some plants that can use them and they will keep things balanced until your sproutlets get going strong and large. See the cyclic logic?

[phoenix44]

The last 2 pages basically have the same info repeated over and over again. :lol: :-?

Yes, it is fast growing but those are just sproutlets. you need lots more plants that are actively growing to soak up the nutrients & CO2. Add ferts slowly when you get some plants that can use them and they will keep things balanced until your sproutlets get going strong and large. See the cyclic logic?

+1 (again)

[SamH]

They're growing pretty fast and I don't have any more stems, this is pretty much it for me in terms of planted tanks

Apart from daily 10L water changes, reduced feeding and a shorter photoperiod, is there anything else I should be doing? Yes or no on the PMDD?

[HaNs]

Add more plants and start on low dose PMDD and build it up...

[SamH]

Add more plants and start on low dose PMDD and build it up...

Millilitres per teaspoon for PMDD?

Adding more plants isn't an option, this is all I have really

[HaNs]

For every 100g of PMDD you will need to add 500ml of water.

[Zev]

50ml to 1tsp

Want more plants? Can send you some My 2fter is getting overgrown.

[SamH]

Want more plants? Can send you some My 2fter is getting overgrown.

Too generous. Send them up with the killies and riccia?

[Zev]

You gonna wait that long

The tank will be pea soup by then! :lol:

[phoenix44]

You gonna wait that long

The tank will be pea soup by then! :lol:

more to complain about then :lol:

would using media from an established filter help the algae phase speed up?

[Jennifer]

would using media from an established filter help the algae phase speed up?

No.

[Zev]

I actually think, as many have stated here as well, YOU ARE TOO IMPATIENT, Sam!

I can send them if you want, or you can wait until I tell Wok he is delivery boy...