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Post by frankfishmonger on Feb 8, 2013 7:42:54 GMT -5
In an attempt to improve the health of the plants in my 55 gallon tank, I recently made changes to the lighting and added an additional fertilizer. Now I think I should have done one at time until I saw the results of one before I did the other. The original lighting was provided by two single tube fixtures that really didn't cover the entire length of the tank. I replaced that with a double tube fixture that does cover the entire tank. It's on a timer that was set for 8 hours (have always used 6500K daylight tubes). At the same time, I added Seachem Root Tabs (in addition to Seachem Flourish Comp) under some sword plants because I heard that they were heavy root feeders. Now, I have a big algae problem...hair and spot. I turned the timer back to 7 hours about 1 1/2 weeks ago but, that doesn't seem to have helped. I don't want to make anymore knee jerk mistakes. What would be a good place to start to help solve this problem ? Thanks.
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Post by guppyguy on Feb 14, 2013 2:47:04 GMT -5
I am sory I havent responded to this sooner but i just saw it had new posts ...
This consiering it a plant issue is my specialty and am glad that i can fix this for you ,. first things first
1.- Lighting ,- I wouldnt cut back from 8 in fact 8 isnt enough not by hours , really you should have your timer between 10 to 13 hours a day 10 minimum and 14 maximum it should be set diffrently from spring to winter actually lol i know it sounds weird but it will really help your fish a lot . The diffrence in lighting duration helps the fish tell the season wich in turn helps them with spawning times . plant wise it helps the plants tell seasonal change as well wich helps them to flower and propegate .
( see i know big words to , even if i cant speel them lol )
2.-Fertalizers ,- I use the exact same things you use , plus substrate additives so your fine on that front . But to make sure I'll tell you how i use them and compare that to your doseing shcedule ok, I add flourish twice a week after water changes a full cap for every 30 gal . And as for tabs I add one for every 6-7 square inches , i use the tabs for the entire tank i grid it off and place one per every square . Around the swords i put one by each and i put the tabs in twice a month ends up about every 2 weeks .
3.-Alge,-First off your gonna need to take a razor and scrap the tank walls down front and sides , its the only way to really get rid of it and give your tank a chance to reclame the ground the algae took over , moss and top water plants in abundance will fight off alge , I use marri moss balls for this . the java you have orderd will work great to . After youve scraped the alge off the fish will eat it and whats left will get caught in your filter an sub and break down . Once its cleaned up and your plants get the light they need with the ferts your useing you wont see the alge agin .
I have alge show up once in awhile and tyhis is how i deal with it , its gonna happen every now and then its part of aquatics .
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Post by frankfishmonger on Feb 14, 2013 3:23:24 GMT -5
Thanks a lot ! I'll give it a shot starting today. I have a hard time wrapping my brain around more light and more fert equaling less algae. I know it's a matter of balance, just still hard to comprehend for me. With my limited logic, it seems just the opposite would be the case. You're the expert.
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