Green Spot Algae

abcdefghi

abcdefghi

AC Members
Jun 6, 2007
1,331
5
38
I am trying to figure out the cause of GSA in my 29G, but really not having much luck. I tested my phosphate level and it is 2.0ppm according to an API kit. Lights are on from 11am-7pm, and I think (would need to check the bulbs) that there is 36WPG (2 x 18W bulbs), little to no direct sunlight gets on the tank at all.

So, what is causing constant green spot algae on the glass? my 55G does get a little of this algae, but it is minor (and hopefully stays that way) and I believe is only on the side of the tank that gets some sunlight.

Do I need the lights on longer? less time? should I dose anything? plants are mostly hygro, crypts, water sprite and java fern. It's a pain and I am constantly having to scrape it off the tank.

thanks.
 
I don't quite know what your problem is, maybe unstable phosphate levels?

I started a proper EI dosing method about 2 weeks ago and then BAM! all algae (including gsa) of any shape or form was instantly(well, almost instantly) gone from my tank.

BTW. you have 1.24wpg not 36
 
coach_z said:
I started a proper EI dosing method about 2 weeks ago and then BAM! all algae (including gsa) of any shape or form was instantly(well, almost instantly) gone from my tank.

BTW. you have 1.24wpg not 36
Click to expand...

LOL, yeah not quite 36!! I meant to put 36W total!

How difficult / easy was it to get started on the EI dosing method? are supplies easy to come by? I have read a little about it, but not a whole lot.
 
I dont really know much about your tank - lights, substrate plants, fish stock etc, but there is a sticky about it in the top of the planted tank forum and basically all you need is about $23 + shipping (so it should be less than 30 bucks) for an entire years worth of fertilizers.

what i have been doing is performing my weekly 50% water change, and then measure out my weeks worth of ferts in my monday to sunday pill box and then dose at the same time as my feedings. because i end up changing about 4 more gallons/week than i used to it adds about 10 more minutes to my weekly water change routine, and then about 2 minutes to portion out my ferts. long story short the benefits way outweigh the costs.
 
timwag2001 said:
have you checked your test kit for accuracy?
Click to expand...

No, and I am not even sure how I would test it for accuracy. I do know its an API Liquid kit and is not that old.
 
You can test kits with a sample with a known concentration level. In your case, I'd get a sample of distilled water to test. If the test indicates the presence of PO4 then you know its wrong. I've had test kits in the past that were just faulty for some unknown reason. With my tanks, GSA has always indicated low PO4 and has disappeared with dosing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom