Encouraging Algae Growth

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Aqualung

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Jan 31, 2004
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No, I'm not crazy! I want to get some algae in my tank because I plan on getting a school of otos. I understand they don't do well without algae to feed on. It's a 29 gal. that currently houses two red honey gouramis. The tank's been running for 3 weeks, planted for two weeks, and I've had the fish for about one week. As of yesterday it has 40 watts of flouros for lighting. It's moderately planted at the moment, but will be planted heavily by the time I'm done.

Should I just wait for algae to appear, or is there something I can do to encourage it without it getting too far out of control? The tank is quite clean, since I've been doing daily water changes/gravel vacs. The lights stay on for 12 hours daily, and the tank gets zero sunlight. Would adding some nutrients promote algal growth? I have a product called Plantgro which is the only liquid plant fert I could find......would it work? Should I just wait for algae to appear, or is there something I can do to encourage it without it getting too far out of control?

All suggestions are appreciated!
 
The problem is that most nutrients you can add to the tank will cause other problems. Best bet is to setup a little tank in a window. No fish, no snails, just some rocks and wood. Fertilize it, and then you have a supply of covered rocks/wood that you can rotate into the main tank for the algae eaters, then back into this tank for more algae to grow on.
 
That's an excellent idea, OG! I think I'll pick up a small 5 gal. or something just for that purpose. Much better idea than trying to encourage algae in my main tank.....I don't want to run into problems.
 
Geat Idea OG,
I have always thought some algea made a tank look good, but have never been able to regulate it to a desireable level ( either too much or not enough). Looks like a couple of 1g pickle jars in the window (my wife will love that) might be a good idea.
 
Glad to help out. One other caution--you may want to cover the tank, to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for insects. If you can monitor and feed any that do show up to your fish, that's great, but housemates seldom appreciate a recent hatching of mosquitos inside. A sheet of plastic wrap, loosely attached, will usually be all that's needed.
 
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