Plants Vs Algae.

[TheRedDarren]

Hi guys,
let me know if I understand this correctly...
I've just been to my LFS (Aquabatics Cardiff, awesome store with great staff) to get a sample of tank water tested. All params are good apart from iron. So now I'll start dosing iron along with my complete ferts.

Now, if I give everyting, as in all the nutrients a plant needs to flourish, but there is a deficiency in just one of the nutrients (for instance, iron) thus hindering the plants growth, resulting in retarded growth, resulting in excess nutrients, resulting in .. Algae. Right? Is that how it works? That's how I understand it at the moment.

Ta,
TRD.

 

[RadaR]

I wouldn't trust the test kits. There will be enough iron in your complete fert. Iron is only needed in trace amounts anyway.

Now, if I give everyting, as in all the nutrients a plant needs to flourish, but there is a deficiency in just one of the nutrients (for instance, iron) thus hindering the plants growth, resulting in retarded growth, resulting in excess nutrients, resulting in .. Algae. Right?

No.
Hindering plant growth will result in poor plant health. Poor plant health equals a degradation of the plant where by it will leach all sorts into the water column, ammonia, sugars, proteins etc. All capable of being converted to ammonia which the algae spores require to bloom. Obviously the more light there is, the less ammonia needed. That's why you have to keep up with regular maintenance with high-light tanks otherwise they fail.
Healthy system of plants = no algae.

The EI dosing method focuses on dosing nutrients to an excess to ensure the plants get everything they need. If excess nutrients caused algae then these types of tanks would fail 100%.

Hope this helps.

 

[fishyfeet]

i was told that El is for tanks with co2, so you can control what you put in and how much. di

 

[RadaR]

i was told that El is for tanks with co2

It is.
Tanks that dont inject CO2 wont have a huge demand for nutrients.

More light means you need more CO2.
More CO2 means you need to dose more nutrients.

So, a tank with low lighting and non CO2 doesnt need to dose EI. It would be a waste of money.