it's all going a bit wrong...

[houndour]

I would advise you however to read this article on the Estimative Index and give it some consideration. It isn't a quick fix for algae, more a long term solution.

I think I will need to re-read this when I'm more awake!

I did a water change last night, scraped the algae off the glass. Cut the dead or browning leaves of any plants, trimmed my vallis, and pruned my stem plants.

I also sorted out my hair grass as it had other bit of grass type things in it. Looking at plant geek, I think I have something that looks like Aquatic clover and Dwarf Sag. All of these (including my hair grass) are all growing runners So I've seperated them all now and it looks a lot better.

My Nymphea is getting huge! I can't believe how it's suddenly just taken off!

I put a bag of fertiliser in the tank, I got it from greenline when I got my plants. I will see what happens over the next few weeks.

 

[George Farmer]

- Reducing the photoperiod will likely increase not decrease the algae.

That is an interesting statement. Would you mind elaborating?

The reason I ask is that in my experience the opposite is true. The occasional algae problem I have encountered has been remedied by reducing the photoperiod (and intensity). This is backed up with research (Dennerle, 2000) that shows that higher plants are better at adapting to varying photoperiods than algae - in particular using a lighting gap or "siesta".

 

[iggy01]

I've seen this subject covered on various forums over the last couple of years. It seems planted tank keepers are split over it's effectiveness. Some, like yourself, are convinced it is a good idea. While others say it is has no impact on hair ,thread algaes etc. I've seen quotes like " if it's such a good idea, why doesn't Amano use a siesta lighting period in any of his tanks". I've also seen quotes of people blaming a siesta for damaging certain plants.

Personally, I do use a siesta. Not for controlling algae, but because I like to check my fish in the morning before I go to work and enjoy them in the evening when I get home.

Whether it is effective against algae? .......... I honestly don't know.

 

[George Farmer]

I've seen this subject covered on various forums over the last couple of years. It seems planted tank keepers are split over it's effectiveness. Some, like yourself, are convinced it is a good idea. While others say it is has no impact on hair ,thread algaes etc. I've seen quotes like " if it's such a good idea, why doesn't Amano use a siesta lighting period in any of his tanks". I've also seen quotes of people blaming a siesta for damaging certain plants.

Personally, I do use a siesta. Not for controlling algae, but because I like to check my fish in the morning before I go to work and enjoy them in the evening when I get home.

Whether it is effective against algae? .......... I honestly don't know.

You raise some excellent points there. I guess it's down to personal experience and taste.

 

[houndour]

yeah and you guys are just confusing me more!!

I am currently running my light at 5 on 2 off 5 on.

Should I give 4 on 2 off 4 on a go??? If so, how long should I give it if I'm not seeing any effects?

My algae is getting worse by the day. I've put the bag of fertiliser in and I think my plants are benefitting from this. My lily is huge now!!

Should I just wait it out and see if the plants come through and take the alages nutrients?

Sam

 

[iggy01]

yeah and you guys are just confusing me more!!

I am currently running my light at 5 on 2 off 5 on.

Should I give 4 on 2 off 4 on a go??? If so, how long should I give it if I'm not seeing any effects?

Sorry for the confusion Sam!

You have the same lighting schedule as me and I don't have an algae problem. Is your Co2 still at 18ppm? I know a lot of people these days are advised to get their Co2 around the 25-30ppm mark for maximum plant growth. Is there any way you could increase yours?

 

[Sime]

i had a bad algae problem. i changed to 4 hours on, 4 off, then 4 on and touch wood not a sign of it now. im convinced it was due to this lighting change from a straight 8 or 9 hours per day but i suppose its whatever works best for you

 

[iggy01]

You raise some excellent points there. I guess it's down to personal experience and taste.

I suppose it is!

But at the end of the day... if something works, it can't be wrong! Right?

 

[George Farmer]

You raise some excellent points there.  I guess it's down to personal experience and taste.

I suppose it is!

But at the end of the day... if something works, it can't be wrong! Right?

Now you're confusing me!

 

[littleme1969]

IMO. plants need some fertilizer. Its well known that over time the levels of iron and potassium get used up by the plants and need to be repenished on a weekly basis. When you first set up your tank, and are cyling it you will do far more water changes which puts back these elements. Once your tank in cycled and you swap over to 10- 20% water changes you're not getting enough nutrients back in with the water change. Plus by this time your plants will have grown and the need for nutrients will be far greater.
I use this Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Leaf Zone.. available here..
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/listsecti...tp=100&rets=220
It contains no nitrate or phosphates so should have no effect on algae growth.
Certain plants are more susseptable to lack of nutrients than others, thats why some will do OK, and other go yellow/brown which is a classic sign of lack of iron and other trace elements needed for good plant growth.
Lighting should be kept to as near daylight spectrum as possible.. this is between 5000k - 7500k. most good tropical/fresh water lamps are within this range, as for time off and time on..lol I have no idea. Mine are on 12 hours a day every day and I have little or no algae growth and have never had for that matter..maybe I have just been lucky.
All the best with your plants.

 

[houndour]

You have the same lighting schedule as me and I don't have an algae problem. Is your Co2 still at 18ppm? I know a lot of people these days are advised to get their Co2 around the 25-30ppm mark for maximum plant growth. Is there any way you could increase yours?

I haven't tested my KH again since. But the pH is the same (fluctuates between 6.4 to 6.7 depending on time of day) and I'm getting about the same number of bubbles.

I'm using the ingredients that came with the hagen system still. The first time I seemed to get more bubbles. Since I've replaced the solution I've not got as many. I'm prob due to change it again soon.

I have bought some yeast and bicarbonate of soda ready for when I run out of the sachets. So I'm yet to use trial and error to get the best combination to get the max C02 output. Could you tell me what measurements you use? And I can go from there?

Thanks for your help.

 

[iggy01]

I have bought some yeast and bicarbonate of soda ready for when I run out of the sachets. So I'm yet to use trial and error to get the best combination to get the max C02 output. Could you tell me what measurements you use? And I can go from there?

Thanks for your help.

I don't necessarily think the mixture is that critical. I tend to fill to the bottom line with sugar, about 1tsp bicarbonate of soda and just less than half tsp of yeast. Fill to the top line with warm water and give it a good mix. This usually lasts about two weeks.

On my 120ltr I have two canisters and two ladders, which keeps the Co2 up there. I usually change the mixture in one of the cannisters every week. So I never get much of a drop in Co2.

Algae can sometimes see the drop in Co2 as a window of opportunity and get a hold when your back is turned.


Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[iggy01]

You make some good points there littleme!

But what's confusing about this hobby is..... what works for one person, doesn't always work for another. And that can be very frustrating!

 

[littleme1969]

You make some good points there littleme!

But what's confusing about this hobby is..... what works for one person, doesn't always work for another. And that can be very frustrating!

I agree.. its all a bit of trail and error, there are so many factors to consider. The tap water you are using in the first place for example.. how hard or soft it is, this can have an effect on the take up of minerals by the plants.
I have seen it said on here many times and I followed the advice myself..
Follow the basic rules of plant care..buy plants that suit your water conditions/light conditions.. stick them em in there... see what grows and, what dies don't buy any more of it..lol You will always get some plants that thrive and others that just won't do a thing even when you try your very hardest. Thats unless your a SUPER PLANT BOFFIN which sadly i'm not..lol great in th garden and with house plants, but very mid line with the aquatic variety.

So I guess what i'm trying to say is.. don't sweat over the small stuff! or it will drive you nuts.

 

[guppygirl]

Thats unless your a SUPER PLANT BOFFIN

Yep, don't sweat the small stuff, it's all small stuff!!