coldcazzie
Ice Queen
Hi all 
I've been reading up on how to improve the condition of my plants and as such have ended up having the inevitable algae diagnosis. I think I understand the reasoning behind me needing to up the amount of nutrients I add on a weekly/twice weekly basis but I wanted to be sure and read through the algae pages recommended in the basics thread. I now think it's blue green algae - it's slimey and dark and spreads in a thick mat over the gravel, leaves and other decor. So, I've started a 4 day blackout, I'm assuming my plants will be alright during this time?
Also, I have Seachem Flourish and a Rio 240. Is a single capfull needed once or twice per week? Is there any reason why I'd need to overdose this? I have 4 kinds of plants, don't know what they're called except for some water lettuce and a valis (which hasn't grown at all since planting). I can take pictures if needs but my point is that it's not very heavily planted yet so will a single cap be sufficient?
Would increasing the number/density of plants mean I'd be less likely to have the algae return once it's gone? From my understanding blue green algae is caused by/more likely to occur in tanks with low nitrates, so as mine are relatively low (<5ppm) does that mean it's likely to return if I don't control other factors?
Sorry if these are silly questions! Thanks!
I've been reading up on how to improve the condition of my plants and as such have ended up having the inevitable algae diagnosis. I think I understand the reasoning behind me needing to up the amount of nutrients I add on a weekly/twice weekly basis but I wanted to be sure and read through the algae pages recommended in the basics thread. I now think it's blue green algae - it's slimey and dark and spreads in a thick mat over the gravel, leaves and other decor. So, I've started a 4 day blackout, I'm assuming my plants will be alright during this time?
Also, I have Seachem Flourish and a Rio 240. Is a single capfull needed once or twice per week? Is there any reason why I'd need to overdose this? I have 4 kinds of plants, don't know what they're called except for some water lettuce and a valis (which hasn't grown at all since planting). I can take pictures if needs but my point is that it's not very heavily planted yet so will a single cap be sufficient?
Would increasing the number/density of plants mean I'd be less likely to have the algae return once it's gone? From my understanding blue green algae is caused by/more likely to occur in tanks with low nitrates, so as mine are relatively low (<5ppm) does that mean it's likely to return if I don't control other factors?
Sorry if these are silly questions! Thanks!
