I really have tried to research and find answers to my questions, but with such differing options, sales pitches etc. etc. I am totally confused! Therefore I am back where I should have started at AC! I have a 60 gallon (UK gallon) tank, planted with various anubias, some crypts, and reeds (spirallis?). The plants are alive but not exactly "blooming" algae on the hand is! My lighting is 2 x Grolux 39 watt. Lighting is on for approx. 8 hours a day and the tank has no other natural night. I have recently changed fertilizer and am now dosing Seachem comprehensive twice a week Have only been doing so for about a fortnight). It is quite lightly stocked 4 x bronze corys, 10 harlequin raspboras and 6 zebra danios. It also contains 4 reasonable size pieces of "driftwood". My understanding is that I have low light which is fine I am happy with basic plants, just hoping to get them looking a bit healthier. As I have a problem with some algae on the leaves I am considering dosing Seachem Excel in addition to the comprehensive. I understand this will help with CO2 and also happens to kill algae. Living in Southern Portugal means that I have to have most of the products I use imported and it is getting rather expensive, would anyone suggest any other products to order along with the Excel to keep delivery costs down? Having enjoyed a fab summer without the pleasure of aircon, the tank temperature has regularly risen to the 30 degree mark and I am unsure if this could be affecting plant and algae growth, things should now start to cool down and the tank should stay around the 24/25 degree mark. I do 20%ish water changes weekly without fail. I have another 30 gallon tank with none of these problems. I am getting so frustrated with this one (it has been running for 6 months) that I feel the only option would be to go "plastic planted" which I then feel would take away my "hobby" and be replaced by a chore. Hope you are all still awake!!! Any thoughts or advice would be more than greatly appreciated.
Sort of planted...?
- Thread starter cotswool
- Start date
The additives you are suggesting are all good products. The issue I see is that your tank has only been up and running for 6 mths and you have no fast growing stem plants in there. Fast growing plants can outcompete algae for nutrients - algae will out-compete your slow growers every time. Add some fast growing stems, continue your current water change, lighting and fertilizer regimen (+ adding the Excel) and just be patient!
I've had no issues growing Ludwigia repens, Rotala indica/rotundifolia, wisteria (H. difformis) in low light. Other Hygrophila species, water sprite, pennywort, anacharis, etc. are other "stem" plants that can do well.
