Algea!!

Jay-Stew

Jay-Stew

AC Members
Jan 18, 2006
149
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0
26 miles North of Lake Erie
Hi all, I need some help trying to underastand the algea in my tank and if I can curb it. First off I have a 65G planted tank (see signature) and it has been up for about 8 weeks now.I am using 2x30 watts flo. to light the tank. the plants are dwarf grass, 2 XL jungle val, 2 large bunches hygro, 2 large java and another TALL green grass ( LOL). I am not running CO2 but I am seriuously considering, as well as adding more plants. Tests are NO3:20,NO2:0,hardness:120, ph:7.0. I waterchange 2x40% weekly. I fert. with Flourish 5 mg weekly. I am now seeing very small patches of green hair algea I believe in the tank. I have just cut the lights back to 9 hours daily from 11. I do however get indirect sunlight in the room and 1 hour direct in the evening but I just turn the blinds to block it. Is it possible that I need to be more thorough cleaning and scrubbing? Do i need more light or CO2? Really my main concern is the algea getting out of hand. I am also filtering w an EHEIM 2213 and aqauclear 50 w/sponge basket. Any thoughts or ideas?
 
That one hour of direct sunlight is probably the culprit. I would suggest closing the blinds during that period of the day.
I would think that at 1wpg you will not be real successful with very many plants, but that direct sunlight is not the way to go. I would opt for 2 - 2.5wpg of compact fluorescent lighting. That will give you more control over your light and a more even photo-period. Cutting back on the lighting period over the tank is not generally the way to go. Cutting out the sunlight is, IMO. It can be a killer as it is very intense, even for only 1 hour/day.

Len
 
So I could run the lights for 10- 12hours a day no prob.? I figured that sunlight mightbe the prob. I would like to add another light. I figure I can put in 1 more strip light to have 3 total. they are DIY form home depot but i added aqua bulbs. Do you think I should be scrubbing more inside? Would co2 help?
 
My dwarf grass is alive but not really growing(no runners). Thats why I think I need more light an co2 to help out. I would like to figure the algae out first though.
 
My feeling is that if you close the blinds the algae goes away.
Cleaning it up will escalate the demise of the algae, and with Discus the two necessary water changes will help.
You can run those lights for 12 on and 12 off with no problem. CO2 always helps, but at 1 wpg there's only so much it can do.
One way or another, try to build in at least 2. and 2.5 wpg would be better. Then you'll see better plant growth, and you'll be writing asking for nutrient dosing advice.

Len
 
Thanks Len. I think I will add another 30 watts. I can easily do that. any suggestion s for a good bulb? I have a aquaglo & coralife trichomatic now!!
 
it would be easier if you had 3wpg or more and C02, course thats a bit more $$$
 
What type of lighting are you using.....NO(normal output) or CF(compact fluorescent)?
A 65 is a relatively deep tank. 2.5 watts of CF would be the way to go for many plants. In that case I'd suggest 6500 - 9250K lighting. Anything in that area looks nice IMO.
If we're talking NO lighting, you still want to stay in the 6500K and up range, but the light will be less effective because of intensity and it's lack of ability to penetrate to the surface of the substrate.
CO2 would be of assistance in either case. I always suggest getting started with less, rather than more light because less is more forgiving from an algae perspective, and in your case CO2 would not be a necessity at 2 watts, whereas at 3 and up it would be much more important.
One can always upgrade after learning how to balance a tank.

Len
 
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