With Co2 I wouldn't think you should be experiencing algae bloom but try and add some floaters to soak up the extra nutrients.
I want clear water
- Thread starter Lucas Kane
- Start date
A lot of great recommendations above (e.g. washing filter components in old tank water vs. tap) but I must respectfully disagree with some of the other recommendations made here:
1) Over cleaning does not exist in the context of tank decorations, etc. As long as the nitrobacter and nitrosamonas bacterial colonies are undisturbed and the tank has been properly cyled, there is no reason to expect a mini-cyle. In fact, you are better off cleaning the decorations on a regular basis to ensure thorough removal of detris and other organic residues.
2) Vaccuming the gravel on a regular basis is a very good thing for the same reason described above. It also helps prevent build-up of anaerobic gas pockets and ammonia. Trying to "protect" bacterial colonies by avoiding large water changes and not disturbing substrate is not consistent with aquarium best-practices. Never hesitate to provide plenty of conditioned and temperature macthed water as often as you feel is necessary to maximize your specimens' health. Once again, for our purposes, these colonies live primarily in the filter. The in-tank colonies will quickly repopulate if the filter colonies are safe.
3) Salt..... oh ***, here we go
I will not hijack the thread, but please be aware not all of us are sold on the addition of salt to freshwater systems. In fact, many of us insist it has no place in freshwater systems with the notable exception of treatment for certain protozoal diseases (i.e. Ich).
UV sterilizers work like a very expensive charm or maybe cut back on the CO2 to find the right balance for your plants.
