algae

[newsom00]

im looking to get a planted tank and i dont have sunlight available plus i dont want a whole lot of algae PLEASE HELP any help is appresiated:help2: :help2: :help2: :help2:

[Nolapete]

A lot of people on AC swear by Otocinclus (midget suckermouths) for taking care of algae in planted tanks. Having good lighting (see ahsupply.com for light kits and http://lightbulbsdirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=001&Product_Code=F55BX-AR-FS
for bulbs) is important for good plant growth. At least 1 watt per gallon for low light plants up to 3 watts per gallon or more for high light plants.

Substrate such as Eco Complete Planted or Flourite make keeping plants easier. Along with additives such as Flourish.

What size tank are you planning? What types of fish do you want?

[Squawkbert]

You need some quality lighting. You may need CO2 as well. Once you establish some sort of balance between lighting (photoperiod), ferts and CO2, you should only see a little algae (after the inevitible new tank outbreaks).

The trick to keeping outbreaks to a minimum is to have some sort of quick growing plant that can outcompete the algae (sunset hygro, wisteria, duckweed...).

I suggest looking at APC (http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/index.php?referrerid=15164) and Rex Grigg's guide (quite concise) (http://www.rexgrigg.com/index.html)