Tannins And Algae

[riverman444]

Between the tannins from my new driftwood and a new algae bloom, I'm doing a massive water change tonight. I think I may lower the light and remove CO2 for a few days too......time to step back a little.

Any thoughts?

 

[Bloo]

How established is your tank ?

Do you have a heavily planted tank ? If not, then you're definitely going to struggle with algae if you're new to CO2 and plants.

 

[riverman444]

My tank is established pretty well. It's been up and running for about 3 months. I have two large amazons, some micro sword, some dwarf hair and some java moss. Fish are healthy. 4 Harlequin Rasboars, 1 Neon, 3 Guppys, 1 Cory, 1 Male CT Betta.

It's not too heavily planted, more small stuff than big. I'm at about 2 WPG and running a DIY CO2. The problem is that I recently added two large pieces of Malaysian driftwood. Ever since then, I have had a dark tint to the water (tannins) and am now having an issue with white algae on the glass and in the water. My fish don't seem to mine but it bugs me.

I do about a 25% water change every other day. Water test results from last night....before change

Ph--7.0
Amm--0
Nit--0
Nitrate--25 (My eyes fool me on this test)
Temp--78

Frustrating.

Here's a pic of the tank......http/putfile.com/pic.php?pic=2/5414170364.jpg&s=x402

Just add a dark tint and some white now

 

[Bloo]

Quite typical of a 12 week old planted tank to try and find a balance. I too struggled with algae in the beginning - as do most others. I wouldn't do anything more than a 30% water change at the moment. Even though your stats are fine, it's not quite yet what I would say mature (more around the 6 month mark +).

You are only likely to upset the applecart and induce further algae growth if you do a massive water change - never mind stress the fish.

Can you perhaps remove once piece of wood and let it soak for a couple of weeks in some hot water (changed daily) ?

 

[riverman444]

I was thinking of that myself. Maybe remove the flatter piece and introduce later, once everything settles down. I forgot how much of a headache a planted tank can be if you try and rush the process.

'Tis my fault.........maybe I should remove the CO2 for a few days and lower the amount of light to say 8 hours instead of 12......thoughts?

 

[Bloo]

Is that pic recent ? I can see almost no algae or even brown water ?

Do you know what your CO2 level is at the moment ? Or if not, what your pH & kH is ?
How many watts per gallon (light) do you have ?

 

[riverman444]

I'm right at 2 watts per gallon. That pic was a few days after introducing the wood.

http/putfile.com/pic.php?pic=3/6111414040.jpg&s=x402

Taken yesterday