ApolloX54

First of all I'm noticing tiny green spots all over my tank with like hair algae looking stuff. I cleaned it off and it was back the next day. I also noticed a single snail. I haven't added plants for like weeks now so I may be lucky and have just one. So does this problem ring any bells?

Also my Wisteria has gone crazy... I already broke off two sprouts. One of which has it's own sprouts already. A leaf that I ripped off accidentally has grown roots and 4 more leaves. The other four look like bushes. So trimming? How?

Nate McFin

The algae popping up may be as a result of too much light, your plants not "outcompeting" the algae for nutrients due to deficiencies of their own, low Co2 levels. Or a combo...
My guess would be low Co2 level and too much light. How many hours a day are your lights on and what type of lighting do you have? (Watts per gallon?)
Co2 levels are low unless you are adding it to the tank. DIY is a cheap way to start Co2
Pressurized is much better but also comes with a hefty price tag. Seachems "Flourish Excel" can be used as a Co2 substitute. It is a liquid form of carbon. I use this in my tank currently and it works well.
SNAILS!!!!ACKK....my advice keep a very close eye on the tank and remove any of them you find. Unless of course you want thm in your tank. Mine started off the same way and now I pull out 10-30 per day. I will never get rid of them without breaking down the tank. I should have been more careful with dipping new plants.
As far as trimming goes....cut the stem just above a leaf. You can also replant the old stem as you have pointed out already. Tank sounds nice...any pics?
Best Wishes,
Nate

ApolloX54

Well I only have 1.4W per Gallon and thought you didn't need CO2 unless you had 2W per Gal. or more? Actually when I think about it I think I have my lights on to long. like 13.5hrs. Should probably cut that down.

Nate McFin

I usually run mine 8-9 hours. The amount of Co2 needed would be dependent really on the types and amount of plants as well as fertilizer routine. It is dependent on the amount of light as well but the other factors also come into play.

ApolloX54

Well I'm running Water Wisteria, Anacharis and some last strands of Java Moss...

Anacharis is going much slower than the WW. No fertilizer and I have sand for substrate.

Nate McFin

I wouldnt worry too much about ferts and co2. Cut back the light a bit and see how it goes. Your Wisteria might appreciate some root tabs though. They are major nutrient hogs.

ApolloX54

Well here is what it looks like now.... It's gotten to the point where the WW is bending over cause it can't support it's weight out of water. I had one get like 2 inches out before falling over...

eiginh

I would suggest cutting your lights to maybe 8-9, I wouldn't use flourish excel it would rot your anarcharis. If you need to get rid of your extra trimmings, I would gladly take some

Nate McFin

Wow thats a nice looking plant. You know you can cut the top off and stick it in the substrate and it will grow roots!

ApolloX54

Oh I witnessed to regenerative power of these babies when I broke off a leaf moving my first shoot. It floated around for a couple days and then I planted it for kicks and giggles... and wala! My 7th wisteria stalk... from the original four with like 7-8 more to cut and plant.

And I totally forgot about FE melting Anacharis... though in no way need it. :-p