How many algae eating species for 65gal?

Have to say that I don't use algae eating species as a means of control. I have found that it forms when water parameters are out of balance. This includes the type and number of plants. Cause-and-effect is what you should be concerned about. Causes are numerous and would make this a far too length post. Research on your part would be ideal. Adding to the bio-load is not. I will disagree with others that recommend adding other species to the problem.

As you add to the bio-load you increase the disparity in your balance. Plant uptake is the greatest asset you have that does not negatively affect said balance within reason. Even they can cause an upset. Having both root feeders and column feeders is the best way to plant. Using planted tank.net is an ideal source to assist you. They cover many issues faced with algae control, lighting, and water circulation to name a few topics. There is a lot to learn but will result in a beautiful tank with minimal repercussions. "Plant Brain" often posts on our site with helpful tips and suggestions and is the owner of Plantedtank.net. It's worth your time to check it out.
 
My algae problem is really kind of minor. If I don't scrap the glass everyother month it gets a thin film, same with the top of the 24" plastic plants. The 4 Otto's are doing well.

Thanks for the links excuzzzeme. I have researched live plants in the past. I have poor led lighting, 8.6ph and 250ppm hardness or 25 degrees. To have live plants that look as good as my silk and plastic plants would take a large investment I think. Maybe in the future.
 
Sure thing Dave, I'll take some today seeing it's another 0F day and I'm staying inside today to veg out. It's a very tall tank, 24 or 25" I think, so that's a long way to the bottom for light to reach. I think a Current USA LED for marine or planted tanks is around $250. Wouldn't I need CO2 injection for my water? Also the investment part applies to my invested time. Anyway, if you guys keep after me I'm gonna cave in and go natural!:) Pics later...
 
Here's the 65g by a south east window. The blinds are open during the day. Light is a MarineLand led 36" fixture with on/off only. Big canister under the cabinet.

This is my 75g on the other side of the room that gets no direct sun. Emperor 400 and Penguin 200 filtration with 3 big rumbling bio wheels. 48" Current USA led with 1000 options on light intensity and color combos. Cloud cover, moon light and lightening storm mode too. Very awesome light!
Neither light is good for live plants so that would be part of the investment equation.
 
DIY, DIY, DIY! :)

It doesn't have to be super expensive. I made my own LED cover for about $30. Now admittedly, I did have some resources at my disposal, but it doesn't have to be expensive. The parts I did have amounted to about $10-15 (Glass and a few connectors from another project).

What you can do since your set-up is already LED, is expand upon what you already have using LED strips like I did on my niece's tank.
Pics and thread here: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?276038-LED-Light-Boost-Mod
You would want to boost your AC/DC power supply up on amps which will cost a few bucks depending on what you need, but those are inexpensive and easy to come by.

I have an idea you might consider for not giving up your current hood. You will need to have some window pane glass cut, but most mom and pop hardware stores can do that for you. Even Lowes or Home Depot will cut glass panes for you in just about any size as long as they are rectangular. You know that little lid you lift up in the front of the hood? You could light it up with LED strip lights and silicone a piece of glass over the opening at the bottom, and BAM... Double the light intensity! I'm going to do this myself, so you can wait and let me figure out the possible issues involved first if you want LOL! I know that heat is an issue, so some ventilation holes will need to be cut/drilled for sure.

See, look how I solved your problem, haha! We'll stay after ya until you cave. Plants are the way to go... One of us... One of us...

Nice tanks by the way :)
 
My crew is otos (4 and 6), yamatos (5 and 8), SAE (4 small to juveniles) and one bulldog pleco.

That is my crew in two 55 gal. Works with mates as small as boraras and as big as Congo tetras, and it handles small cichlids too. I'd have nerites in there but I don't trust cichlids with them.

You just have to return the SAE when they get too big or get too aggressive.
 
The question really is, should you balance your tank out with nature, or by human intervention? If you go zorro's way, then it's by nature, and you have less water changes, filter changes and everything in-between. However, it's not like plants are zero maintenance. They are however a lot less than you might think if you get the right species. If you go the human way, then you'll need to do the work to keep your tanks looking sharp. It's all up to yourself. I will tell you though that i was against planted tanks most of my life. Now though...It's a realm of the hobby that I am thoroughly enjoying. I find myself checking daily for new growth. I will not go CO2. I think low tech is the key to keep a tank truly healthy, as well as the hobby.
 
I agree with the others here about tank balance. I have a 150 heavily planted tank, with rainbows and rummys and cherry barbs. I also have a multitude of scavengers, I enjoy watching the workers work and think that they are an integral part of the balance of my tank. I have bushy nose pleco''s, amano's, oto's, nerites, and SAE's.

Natural waterways have algae and it is a part of life, present in many forms. Balance is kept chemically and aided by others. Even the healthiest tanks will have some algae in them. Take some advice from everyone and find what creates your perfect balance. Playing with your tanks and tweaking things is part of the fun.

Goodluck!
 
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