Brown Algae While Cycling

[paulkat]

Just a side thought mate, maybe you have overdone the ferts? And what types of plants you have currently? Some fast growers and those marimo (sp) balls might be a good idea. I have read all the posts but not the links sorry if this has already been coverd.
Greg

thanks gsta, i've only added a tiny amount of ferts but don't think i will add any more just in case.

I have a couple of cryptocorynes (small), one other i'm not sure of the name, and some moss balls.

Cheers.

 

[Underwurlde]

The addition of ferts will not be the root cause (pardon the pun) of the algae.

Comparitively, what algae need more of than plants is light.
Comparitively, what plants need more of than algae are ferts.

If you can get your plants to grow well (and there is enough of them say minimum 50% coverage) then they will actually outstrip the algae. Bosh, no more algae. Hence, adding ferts under these conditions will make the plants grow, algae go. For this you'd of course need the basics for plant growth before adding ferts and that is of course CO2. IMO, no real point in dosing ferts if you don't inject CO2 really.

Fundamentally speaking I'd say the triggers for algae are first and foremost, too much lighting followed by (if the lighting is needed for plants), the lack of sufficeint and stable levels of CO2. Then comes growth inhibitors i.e. lack of ferts. Plants are IMO, far, far harder to keep than fish!

Andy