Bga - On Eco-complete

[twiki]

Looks like my new(ish) tank is getting little patches of BGA on the substrate.

The substrate is Eco Complete so I'm not doing much in the way of vacuuming when I'm water changing - otherwise it sucks up a load of the substrate.

The filter is an Aqua One Advnace 1250, and it's a 190L tank - so I think circulation should be OK? I'm using it in the spray bar configuration if that makes a difference? (Operating flow rate is quoted at 850 L/hr)

There are only 2 fish in there a Angel and a Bolivian Ram, so not huge amounts of waste being produced and all water vitals are reading OK.

The lights are 2 x 39W T5 and are imed to come on for 10 hours per day, with a 2 hour gap. However I think there is a fair amount of sunlight too.

Pic of the tank pre-fish here
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?act=at...st&id=56608

So, what's causing it - if I can get rid of it - how do I prevent it coming back - and what maintence should I try etc etc.

 

[Gav935]

This site is quite useful Clicky click. Also as a separate note, I'd personally try and increase circulation, your filter is only rated at 850lph, you should be aiming for a total of 1900lph (10x tank volume) whether it is using powerheads or another filter.

 

[twiki]

This site is quite useful Clicky click. Also as a separate note, I'd personally try and increase circulation, your filter is only rated at 850lph, you should be aiming for a total of 1900lph (10x tank volume) whether it is using powerheads or another filter.

The filter which came with the tank was the one below this model - I've already upgraded - that's a huge difference between what I have and what you are saying I need - I'd need like 2 of those filters?!

 

[Gav935]

Basically with planted tanks, the consensus is to aim for 10x turnover of the tank capacity per hour in order to ensure proper circulation of nutrients and CO2, this figure allows for manufacturers somewhat overly optimistic claims with flow rates ( my 120l has a 1200lph filter + a 1500lph powerhead = 2700lph). Flow is only one part of the equation though, are you injecting CO2 or dosing ferts? 39w t5 lighting for 10 ours a day is a lot of light and will only exacerbate algae issues if your other areas aren't up to scratch.

 

[twiki]

Basically with planted tanks, the consensus is to aim for 10x turnover of the tank capacity per hour in order to ensure proper circulation of nutrients and CO2, this figure allows for manufacturers somewhat overly optimistic claims with flow rates ( my 120l has a 1200lph filter + a 1500lph powerhead = 2700lph). Flow is only one part of the equation though, are you injecting CO2 or dosing ferts? 39w t5 lighting for 10 ours a day is a lot of light and will only exacerbate algae issues if your other areas aren't up to scratch.

Aha I see. Well I've added my Internal filter to the tank too - as it seemed the front of the tank had little circulation. I've also re-angled the spray bar so it's now pointing at 45 degrees towards the front of the tank.

I've also started the 4 day blackout process which will hopefully sort out the BGA that's there.

I will alter the light cycle after this and cut it down by a few hours.

I am not using CO2 or ferts but hopefully fixing the circulation and lighting will help for the time being.

 

[Andeekaii]

Adding more plants will also help reduce the algae as the plants will compete with the algae. You would have to plant the tank very heavily though.
I think your main problem is probably the amount of light, as previously mentioned. Algae can adapt to high light, low C02 conditions better than plants.

Andy

Edit: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...106371&st=0 This is a useful topic.

 

[twiki]

Adding more plants will also help reduce the algae as the plants will compete with the algae. You would have to plant the tank very heavily though.
I think your main problem is probably the amount of light, as previously mentioned. Algae can adapt to high light, low C02 conditions better than plants.

Andy

Edit: [URL="http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...106371&st=0"]http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...106371&st=0[/URL] This is a useful topic.

Awesome link - thanks!

The blackout totally git rid of all the BGA - and the newly angled spray bar and internal filter too have visibly helped the circulation at the front where the BGA was forming.

I've cut the lighting right back - and I think more importantly - leaving the curtains in the room closed. I set up a webcam on the tank to monitor the sunlight while I was at work all day, and between 12 and 5 it was getting pretty much direct sunlight across the front if the tank.

 

[Andeekaii]

Glad i could help. I've recently set up my own planted tank and im just waiting for an algae bloom. No sight of one yet so maybe i'll get lucky first time!
Luckily my bedroom only gets light after about 5 or 6 in the evening, so it only gets 3 or 4 hours of pretty dull light - and thats in the summer - in the winter i dont get any sunlight, just daylight.