More plants less algae?

[Tropical Tony]

Hi guys,

I was just wondering if adding more plants would result in algae having less chance to grow?

 

[JuiceBox52]

If you get fast growing plants it will take up the nutrients the algae needs. So yeah

 

[Retired Viking]

I agree with @JuiceBox52 pick up some fast growing plants like anacharis and water sprite and they will absorb the extra nutrients in the water. A nerite snail or two would help too.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Yes...

Live plants (Especially fast growing) will suck up/take all of the nutrients in a tank. Algae needs nutrients in order to grow/survive.

For example, I have a really bright LED light on my 10g and 29g tank. I leave it on for 14 hours a day. I never have algae growth of any kind.

Depending on how big your tank is, your problem should clear up in about a week. (That time frame also depends on how much Anacharis you plan on getting)

 

[Colin_T]

Most types of algae can be controlled by having lots of plants to use the nutrients and light. However, black beard/ brush algae and green filamentous algae can still grow in well planted tanks and once they are growing, they can be very hard to get rid of.

All new plants and fish should be quarantined for a month to make sure they don't introduce anything into the main display tank. If you don't want to quarantine new plants, at least wash them under tap water for a few minutes to try and remove algae spores and other unwanted organisms that could be on them.

 

[Tropical Tony]

Cheers for the replies guys! Really helpful. At the moment I’ve got some Monte Carlo, dwarf hairgrass, java moss, some hygrophila, cryptocoryne balansae, some reineckii pink, Rotala rotundifolia And I’ve just bought some Blyxa Japonica.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

No problem! Also see if you can get some Anacharis. This will help with your algae problem.