Pearling Algae

[Verminator89]

I have a 2ft planted tank, which as you may have guessed from the title has algae. Most would panic, but i like it. The saying goes if you can't beat them - join them. Well i sort of did something along those sort of lines. I figured i can't do "planted" without algae simply because i havnt been able to learn what i'm doing wrong to stop it. So i figured i'd cultivate it where i want, and this i have been able to do. So i leave the algae on the rocks but the rest of the tank is free I've sort of figured out how to control algae in this way respectively. In this tank i run 2 T5HO bulbs on a standard 2ft T5 Glo light set, the wattage escapes me Now the bulbs are on the way out and need replaceing and thus my plants have started to suffer, mainly my HC lawn going a little brown. But in the last two days the algae on my rocks is pearling It never occured to me this could happen, especially seeing as my crypts and HC are showing obvious signs of struggling since the bulbs half gave up the ghost.

Obviously i'm going to be amending this...i just thought i'd share the fact i have pearling algae covering my rocks

 

[mbsqw1d]

errr.. cool!? I've never had any plants/algea pearl yet. I like your idea of making the most of your algea! Sounds like it would be constant maiantenance though??

 

[Verminator89]

Surprisingly no. Ok i'll admit i have to scrape the glass once a week, but who doesnt. The algae has formed a nice layer on the three main rocks i have and turned them a nice shade of green. But combined with my crypts growing over and around them and then a HC lawn growing across the bottom covering the sides of the rocks it actually has a nice effect. Topped off with my cherry shrimp adding a nice splash of vibrant red. It looks quite good in my opinion. I shall try and post an example pic once i get the bulbs replaced and the HC perks up again, as i mentioned earlier it looks like its suffering at the minute due to the bulbs coming to the end of their life expectancy

 

[Biulu]

I have had pearling algae too, much to my dismay... I would have liked my plants to pearly but obviously they didn't. Algae seem to be able to make the most out of non-optimal situations..

 

[mtv8dmarine]

Here's the thing about algae...some algae...the normal green kind is a good thing. Most people want crystal clear tanks but that itself is a step removed from a truly healthy ecosystem. I applaud you for wanting to keep it in your tank and keep it managed.