Any Chance Of An Explanation.

[cynic]

As title, i had a bit of BB algae starting on some of my plants and some long stringy stuff, like hair really, strong too. I reduced my light to no effect.

I have started adding some plant ferts and its stopped the algae, how.

I don't understand how adding something that feeds plant growth would stop algae growth.

Cheers.

 

[stu40]

are your plants now growing better?

 

[cynic]

They were growing pretty good anyway. But after a week now i can see a definite improvement esp in the red plants.

It was hardly a massive infestation of algae, just found it odd that the plant food stopped it.

 

[Greg_DS]

Was it the Seachem stuff, sure I read that kills certain types of algae??

 

[ian]

This what happens, and is proof that nutrients and ferts don't cause algaes. Most of us planted tank keepers dose things like nitrate and phosphates, and have no algae. If you have healthy plants, they will out compete the algae for nutrients leaving the algae not much to survive on. The algae then will in turn die off.

 

[cynic]

Nope, the tetra stuff Plantamin i think its called. Picked it up on a whim when i bought a second heater for the tank and its made quite an impact.

 

[minnnt]

Aup mate, about time you posted some new pics!!

I believe it is because the plants are now growing quicker due to you dosing extra nutrients so are out competing the algae more due to increased growth rates. Obviously something extra in the fert that is not present in fish waste that has sparked them into life,

 

[cynic]

True mate i do need to put some new pics up the plants are far more established. I'll sort some out and post them tommorow.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

It all comes down to balance. You didn't have the nutrients available for the plants to grow, so the algae took advantage of the excess light. By adding ferts, the plants were able to grow and use the light more effectively because all the nutrients were there in the proper balance.