Alage on Plants

[Europian]

Hi,

I've just recently started to get some type of algae on my plants. Can anyone tell me what I need to do to get rid of it ? or how to stop it ? I'm guessing its light related, as the algae started in the middle of the tank, where the lights are brightest, and is spreading outwards.

The tank is at 20L and has 36W of T5 HO lights (Coralife freshwater 30" 2x18w) They are on about 7 hours a day.

I don't have CO2, but have been using Excel every couple of days, and Flourish once a week after 30% water changes.

Thanks

Ian

107339

107340

[tbonedeluxe]

Thats (GSA) green spot algae.
Maybe someone else can help you to with the light issue.
Here is an algae guide:
http://www.rexgrigg.com/Algae1.html

http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm
Good luck

[jbradt]

It doesn't sound like a lighting problem to me. And I don't think GSA is caused by lighting issues. Infact, I think you could up your photoperiod by an hour or more without much of an issue.

It sounds like you have a good regimen going. You could try dosing the excel every day to try to make up for the co2. Or you might want to think about adding diy co2 if you have the means.

[Europian]

Hi,

Thanks for your responses, I will try Excel everyday for a while and see if it helps.

Thanks

Ian

[coach_z]

up your phosphate and/or gas version of co2....mostly your phosphate and you should see it start to go away with time.

diy co2 is not worth the effort IMO and is more prone to cause bba algae...also, imo, 20 gallons is the highest point that DIY can be effective. people say 30, but it sure didnt work in my 30...

[tekonus]

Has your plant growth stagnated? If the algae is "taking over" there must be a reason it is outcompeting the plants.

[Canuck]

GSA is indicative of low CO2 and phosphate levels. BBA is a result of low CO2 (and possibly nitrate shortage). Look at macro fertilizers and CO2 of somekind.

[NCalien]

Well i checked the link you posted what does Brown algae mean ? Its somewhat hairy its just now starting to come in but i want to stop it ASAP

[thrak76]

Brown algae usually is referring to diatoms. It usually appears in newer tanks, and eventually goes away.

[mancas24]

It doesn't sound like a lighting problem to me. And I don't think GSA is caused by lighting issues. Infact, I think you could up your photoperiod by an hour or more without much of an issue.

It sounds like you have a good regimen going. You could try dosing the excel every day to try to make up for the co2. Or you might want to think about adding diy co2 if you have the means.



Definitely agree with the dosing of excel everyday i have had some serious algae problems in my tanks and overdosing of excel or co2 is good at taking care of algae. I even have black beard algae on my drift wood which is ferocious stuff and the excel over the past month has killed about 60% of it which is amazing. don't over do the co2 cause it can force your fish to be gasping for oxygen O2.

[midiamin]

What about overfeeding fish?

[Europian]

I possibly overfeed my fish, as when I gravel vacuum there seems to be a lot, but they always seem hungry :)

I will feed less, and do daily Excel. Does Flourish liquid contain phosphate, if so , should I add that more frequently, or do I need to buy something else ?

Thanks

Ian

[mancas24]

flourish excel is what you need. Make sure you dont buy the flourish comprehensive cause it is gonna add to your algae problem. If u r overfeeding it is adding enough nutrients, obviously enough to aide the algae in growing.

[barbarossa4122]

up your phosphate and/or gas version of co2....mostly your phosphate and you should see it start to go away with time.

diy co2 is not worth the effort IMO and is more prone to cause bba algae...also, imo, 20 gallons is the highest point that DIY can be effective. people say 30, but it sure didnt work in my 30...

Hi,

Can you please tell me how to "up your phosphate"? What product should I buy? Thanks.