algea bloom

[One_Trick_Pony]

will added c02 help or hinder my attmepts to clear the problem, the tank is planted

OTP

 

[sylvia]

Algae, like plants, photsynthesises. So it'll benefit from CO2. At the same time, your plants will grow faster as the CO2 will no longer be a limmiting factor. If your plants have enough of everything else (light, food etc) and you add CO2, they'll compete with the algae and that'll keep it under control. If your plants don't have enough of everything else, the CO2 will be of more benefit to the algae.

Rather than trying to correct the algae problem (if that's what you are planning by adding CO2), pin-point its cause and correct that.

 

[Steve Adams]

i bought a 14 dollar uv light at walmart, poped it on top of the tank....its been there for about 3 hr's and the water is twice as clear as it was when I started works great!

 

[Jen]

Really? Thats a much easier solution than the $150 uv sterilizer that my lfs.

What section did you get it in?

 

[jimbooo]

sorry to disagree but algae does not use co2 to any major extent.

it does use it but only in tiny ammounts (that are present in all water) so adding co2 will not effect algae.

it will however increace plant growth. healthy plants will out compete algae.

Light is the biggest trigger for algae. with strong light and low co2, you'll have problems. dont reduce co2 at all ideally keep it at 20-25ppm unless your doing a blackout.

again sorry to disagree just my thoughts...

Edit: just reread Sylvia's post. i think were actually on the same wavelength not disagreeing at all.
OTP: what are your stats? i'd love to help but need more info

WPG & photoperiod
CO2 levels
nitrAte
Phosphate
Iron

answer as much of that as you can and i'll get my brain working. (i'll try anyway)

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

ok wpg is 2m,

nitrates at 40ppm

i have no idea as to the otehr as i have literlay just recived the Co2 system

and have no where to test for iron of phophates lkooks like i need to get anotehr test kit

i am going to try blacking out the ank for a couple of days, how long should id be left balckd out?

 

[Jen]

I blacked out for 3 days, and it seemed to clear it up, but now, a week later, the green is back worse than before.

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

well i am hoping that a 2/3 black out and then adding co2 will firts get rid of teh algea and thn provided the planst with enough ummph to out compete the algea

 

[jimbooo]

nitrates at 40ppm

problem No1: should be no higher than 12.5ppm

you need to do more water changes to get it down to a reasonable level then feed as little as possable. (excess waste = nitrate)

sort that out before doing anything else.

 

[jimbooo]

I blacked out for 3 days, and it seemed to clear it up, but now, a week later, the green is back worse than before.

check your nitrate as well then (and phosphate if poss) if nitrate's high the phosphate will also be high, the two go together.

phosphate above 0.3ppm will cause algae growth.

 

[Jen]

My nitrates are/were low... under 10ppm. I don't have a p04 testing kit, but maybe I will bite the bullet and get one. I know too that my co2 is low in comparison to my light level, and tomorrow I am going to buy all the stuff to add more onto it (I have 1 bottle that is rated for a 25 gal tank, and mine is 90... just a little off)

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

ok thanx guys i will see to that right away!!!!

 

[jimbooo]

canoechiq - phosphate test will be worth buying but yes there you have it. more co2 needed. i have 2 nutrafin bottles plus a 5 litre diy on my 40G!!!

assuming you have reasonable light that is (over 2WPG) i cant remember your tank stats i'm afraid.

One Trick Pony: no problem

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

hmm i think i remebered my number somewht worng on checking nitrate again is seems to be at aorund 5ppm, so what can it be thats causing teh bloom, and i so confused, thanx guys for all you help

 

[Jen]

I've got 2.7 wpg - 2 x 6500K blubs, and 2 x 10000k bulbs.

Think adding a carbon filter cartrigde might help clear things up?