Algae Problem - Please Help

plastic plants are easier to keep, just not as natural looking.
Thinking of real plants, bare in mind leavels to maintain to out compete the algae for nutrients:

n03 5-10 mg/l
p04 1mg/l
fe(TE) .1 mg/l
c02 25ish
not to mention lighting for the plants to reach photosinthesis: colour rendering index of lighting in kalvins,5500k-6700k is optimal and 3-4 w/gall is optimal as well. the lower on the scale for lighting the slower the growth.
think about it, do some research!!

Good luck.
 
If your using fake plants, then any algicides (fancy word for algae eradicating thingy) would be suitable for your situation. Just make sure you dont overdose on the stuff, or you might hurt your fish.
And use some activated carbon on your tank. You will find that algae doesn't grow as fast afterwards.
 
Thanks for the advice I'll also change the carbon in the bio-wheels.
 
I run a live planted aquarium and I run activated carbon in my filters every 3 months. The carbon will only remove trace minerals for about 7 days and after that it becomes biomedia.
 
From what Ive used, carbon usually lasts a month for me. Depends on what brand and how much you use. (Marineland black diamond.)
If you have a filter that can use it, Purigen is by far THE best filter media available. Has a life of 6 months before you regenerate it in bleach. (Is 500% more effective than carbon.)
 
Have you noticed a difference using purigen? I am sure anybody can use this carbon alternative just take nylon pantyhose to hold the media should you have one of those filters that does not allow you to customize the cartridge. Put this in the filter or some other high flow area.
 
Purigen is a whole lot better than carbon. It even has a tendency to remove some nitrates in the water. (And ammonia and nitrite when first cycling.) I buy it and mix it with hypersorb in one of those bleach resistent filter bags. I only clean the filter media once every 6 months, and the water literally SPARKLES for those 6 months. Beats replacing carbon ever three weeks. And this stuff regenerates in bleach, so you NEVER have to buy it again.

But I never could figure out where to put in in a peguin/emporor filter...
 
Ok I did some research and am not worried about starving my biofilter anymore.

Purigen™ is a premium synthetic adsorbent that is unlike any other filtration product. It is not a mixture of ion exchangers or adsorbents, but a unique macro-porous synthetic polymer that removes soluble and insoluble impurities from water at a rate and capacity that exceeds all others by over 500%. Purigen™ controls ammonia, nitrites and nitrates by removing nitrogenous organic waste that would otherwise release these harmful compounds. Purigen’s™ impact on trace elements is minimal. It significantly raises redox. It polishes water to unparalleled clarity. Purigen™ darkens progressively as it exhausts, and is easily renewed by treating with bleach. Purigen™ is designed for both marine and freshwater use. This product is sold by volume. Cited weight is minimal weight.

According to seachem it controls nitrogenous wastes by absorbing organics so the biofilter will still be taking care of the ammonia/nitrite. I have clear water but I would like to use something other than carbon for chemical filtration since I hate having trace minerals removed when I change my carbon cartridge every 3 months (I have a planted tank). I'll give it a try and see if I can fit it on my pengiun 170 somehow.
 
I decided to try it out. I bought the 100g bag and I just placed it in front of my filter cartridge on the bottom of the filter. It seems to not bother the biowheel and won't be acting as mechanical filtration. I have a penguin 170 filter.
 
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