plants

[scottsbt1690]

how do you keep oyu real plants free or as clear of algae as possible?, i have some right heay algae growing on some of them, the longerones nearer the top though get it mostly

also what would you say would be the best type of loah/algae eater/plec to clean some of this up for me?

scott

 

[WILDER]

Yes I would recommend getting some agae eaters, depends on the size of your tank what algae eaters to get.

 

[TorPeteO]

If your tank is completely filled with plants, that usually makes it much harder for algae to find sufficient nutrients to stay alive. More often than not, good plants will beat algae in a race for nutrients, so I'd say think of getting more plants, and you could go for an appropriately sized algae eater, as well.

 

[KerriPaul]

Unless you have soft water you may struggle with most plants.

The key is heavy planting, suitable plant food and regular water changes to keep the nitrate levels down.

I also use a home made C02 reactor.

If you get it right you can have a heavily planted tank in a location that gets "far too much" light and still have little or no algae. (mine is in an extension with windows on two sides getting direct sunlight most of the day)

I would say the most important aspect is low nitrates which means good filtration and clean water. Preferably under 20 definitely under 40.

Dont expect to succeed immediately a lot of trial and error is needed.

I got my plant food from a mail order plant supplier.

I also go rid of my algae eating plec as he ate and grubbed up plants and excreted everywhere upping the nitrate levels

 

[scottsbt1690]

i have a golden algae eater, but i think i need another 1 or 2, also would plant food help kil the algae off abit?

 

[gwlee7]

i have a golden algae eater, but i think i need another 1 or 2, also would plant food help kil the algae off abit?

Isn't the "golden algae eater" just a gold colored chinese alage eater? If so, it will get huge and not only stop eating algae but most likely start eating fish. I would be thinking about getting rid of the one you have and certainly not getting more of them.

 

[jflowers]

That golden algae eater, wouldn't be one of these would it...

http/www.giveusahome.co.uk/allpets/fish/...nalgaeeater.htm

[EDIT: gwlee7 types faster than me hehe]

If so, you may have trouble soon. They are very aggresive and will chase and stress your fish and in a worse case scenario will suck scales and flesh from your fish. They are a colour morph of the Chinese Algae Eater.

If its one of them, don't get any more, look at oto's.

Jon

 

[lucky62]

The key is heavy planting, suitable plant food and regular water changes to keep the nitrate levels down.

I agree esp reg. partial water changes .

You can grow low light tolerant plants with standard lighting , but if you don't removed excess nitrates , you'll have problems .