Green Spot Algae + Tnc Complete

[pablothebetta]

Some tank stats:

Size - 28L
Lighting - 11W (I think), around 6-7 hours a day
Ferts/Co2 - none at the moment
Stock - male betta, the odd cherry shrimp, 3 assassin snails
Plants - Anubias Nana, Java fern, C. Wendtii, C.Nevelli, Echinodoras Rose, Moss balls

I've got green spot algae all over the sides of my tank and I've heard it's because of low phosphates. I'm in need of a new liquid fertilizer after my last lot ran out and I've been considering TNC Complete. I think this does contain Phosphate along with trace and macro nutrients - would this help sort it out?

In the mean time - anyone got any ideas how I could scrape it off of the glass? I've tried a razor blade, but it hasn't helped much.

Thanks

 

[hensonc4098]

TNC does contain phosphate. It's basically the same makeup as TPN+ was.

Low CO[sub]2[/sub] and poor flow can also cause this, however phosphate is normally the main reason.

I can only suggest a razor blade and plenty of elbow grease. Make sure the blade is still nice and sharp, not old and blunt or rusty.

 

[pablothebetta]

Thanks - I'll be getting some TNC Complete soon then

I've tried a razor blade in the past, though it didn't work too well. I'll have to have another go sometime.

Just had a thought - will TNC complete boost my nitrates then, too? I already have levels in my tapwater and readings usually aren't much below 20ppm with weekly water changes of around 25%. Would I have to boost my W/Cs?

 

[daz4321]

Post removed in protest of forum operation.

 

[pablothebetta]

Yeah, suppose that is. I'd rather just stick to ready made stuff though I think

 

[hensonc4098]

Most complete ferts will contain nitrate. There is the option of dosing just phosphorus using seachem flourish phosphorus, but it would be better to dose a complete fert and then you will get potassium and micros too.

I would try a complete fert and keep an eye on your water conditions. If nitrates are creeping up, you either have the option of adding some more fast growing plants (yours are slow growers, so less of nitrate munchers ) or upping the % of your water changes. If your tap water is 20ppm though, upping water changes is not going to help much though.