Algae Advice Again

[Ps3Steveo]

I have recently dropped my CO2 levels and fert levels due to a bit of GDA, that's now gone but changing the levels has given me an outbreak of BBA lol, once the levels are kept as they are for a while will it disapear or do I need to change them again? Funny too as it's in the area with most flow?

 

[L_Plates]

I hate algae issues as there is so much conflicting information.

Not Enough = Algae
Fluctuating = Algae

I would go back to what you where at before dropping to GDA now its gone and see what happens.

LP

 

[tanksalot]

I've often found it grows on the spraybar right where the water comes out, and you can't get much higher flow than there!

I've had a few outbreaks of BBA (mostly due to my stubborn insistence on trying to make DIY CO2 work ) and I just hit it with Excel each time - I hate looking at the stuff, and I'm too impatient to wait and see if it will go on its own

 

[minnnt]

What is GDA?

I've been quite lucky with my tank upto yet... still waiting to wake up though and the tank be green!

 

[Dan-CR4]

Green Dust Algae (maybe?)

 

[minnnt]

Brill, thanks mate.

 

[RadaR]

Why would one lower CO2 and nutrients when they have GDA? If anything you'd want more.
Check out the algae guide in my sig.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

No, the GDA was caused by excess rather than not enough, after lowering it, it vanished, now I'm gonna up them slightly till the BBA goes I think.

 

[RadaR]

If that were true then all EI tanks would have GDA. Sometimes this algae can crop up even though the specifications appear to be fine. If left to run its cycle, this algae can disappear in 3weeks. Tom Barr has mentioned this before somewhere.
Predominatly though, GDA is common in tanks with low CO2 or low phosphate.
Lowering nutrients or CO2 to combat algae never works due to the reasons you are now seeing.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Ok so up them a little like I said and you think that will cure it? I'm just trying to get the balance right at the moment. Once I get it right I'm not touching it lol. I'm dosing 1.5ml excel and 3ml TPN+ daily at the mo, it's 60litre arc with 18w eclispe lamp and has a 600lph external and HC, Helferi, microsorium, moss and crypts?

 

[RadaR]

I'd personally dose more Excel.
Due to it being only 60litres I'd be tempted to perform 2x50% water changes per week to really reduce any organic waste, algal spores and undetectable ammonia.

 

[ian]

I thought you had upped the P to get rid of the GDA??

I also agree with RadaR, re the water changes.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Lol last week I was told to stop the twice weekly water changes as that can cause a high dose of natural co2 which can cause gda lol advice was from mint, I'm confused lol. Right guys I'm gonna trust what you say so recommend me what you'd dose and water changes wise and I'll give it a go. Cheers btw.

 

[ian]

But the water change thing should cause BBA lol, not GDA. However, you are dosing a carbon addition, so you don't really have to worry about this. I have seen GDA clear in a few days with the upping of P. You could up the Excel to 2ml, as your plant mass is high.

 

[RadaR]

Agreed, in tanks that are using some form of carbon addition, you dont need to worry about CO2 fluctuations with tapwater. Water changes in the morning before the lights go on would be beneficial. Obviously in tanks that are non carbon/CO2 this isnt advised.