Best Lighting

[jetajockey]

Algae thrives on imbalances. When you add high light to the system, the demand for ferts and co2 goes up accordingly. If you can't meet those needs adequately, algae often takes a foothold. It's more about focusing on what makes the plants happy since algae is always going to be there waiting to jump in.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Lord that EI dosing looks like a lot of money and work!

You know you're a fish nut when you put more resources and effort into your planted tank than your planted garden.

 

[authmal]

For what it's worth, Current USA has a nifty LED system, the Satellite+, I think it's called, that my LFS (and some reviews I've seen on the non + version, the difference is wired or wireless remote, it seems) says it's good for low and medium light plants, it's relatively inexpensive, and has some really fricking cool effects.

 

[shloken38]

The lack of co2 is most likely the problem. And the more light you add, the more you are going to add to that problem without co2. As already mentioned, you need to have a balance between light, ferts and co2. I've had a lot of success sticking with low to medium light, and I only use osmocote+ tabs for the root feeders. Everything else does fine with my stock providing for them. I even have medium light plants that do well.

And as far as plants out competing algae, this really holds true only for faster growing plants. It's always a good idea to have something like hornwort and anacharis in the tank. They are nitrate sponges and help keep the levels at bay. If you don't want to go the co2 route, dosing Excel or API co2 booster helps as well. As far as I can tell, the two are very similar, so going with API would be cheaper.

And for what it's worth, I use a Current USA light on one of my tanks (a t5ho), and it's a pretty decent light. Definitely more economical than a lot of lights out there.

Hope this helps!


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[CinnamonPearl]

I am dosing excel. I dose 5 mL a day. But thank you for the advice.

 

[67chevelle]

Lord that EI dosing looks like a lot of money and work!

You know you're a fish nut when you put more resources and effort into your planted tank than your planted garden.

EI dosing is easy. Dry ferts are cheap. $20 will easily give you 18 months to 2 years before you need more. Measure the ferts out for the week, and put them in a weekly pill box. You dose the tank when you feed your fish. It's really easy. A pressurized CO2 system can be found for around $150 for a decent one. You can easily spend more on one though. I think in the big scheme of keeping fish, it's pretty reasonable. Plus, like filters, tanks, heaters, etc. it's a one time cost. Once you pay for your CO2 system, you only have to pay to have the CO2 bottle refilled. And that cost around $25 and should last at least a year. So once you figure out how many of what ferts to add every day, the EI system is very easy and affordable.