JaneAustenAddict

I have tried having a planted tank on numerous occassions, and I always have the same problem. So much algae I don't know what to do with it all. I know the reason I get so much algae is because of the lighting for the plants, so I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to keep the algae to a minimum? I do not have a planted tank now, but I would really like to try converting my 29g to a planted tank again some day.

mathas

In my experience, most algae in planted tanks is due to an imbalance between lighting, carbon, and fertilization. The best way to minimize algae is to find the delicate balance between the three, and the only way to do that is through experimentation (or dumb luck).

For example, say your plants are carbon-limited (i.e. you have surplus light and ferts, but not enough carbon). Since plants require carbon for photosynthesis, they can only use enough light energy and nutrients to take advantage of the available carbon... once the carbon runs out, photosynthesis stops, and the excess lighting and nutrients are available for algae to feast upon. In this case, either reducing lighting and nutrients or increasing available carbon should help to reduce algae.

In other circumstances, an appropriate fix my be to increase nutrients or decrease lighting alone. Each tank is it's unique setting, which is where the experimentation comes into play.

aquarist48

Hello Jane. Here is a link you may find helpful:
Aquarium Algae Control
Ken

Shawnie

my planted tanks never have algae..but I only have anubias, java ferns and moss and nothing high tech that requires high lighting.......I have also have no high tech CO2 or ferts for them but they are one of the easiest plants to grow...(easy and me get along well!)

Nate McFin

Mathas hit the nail on the head.
The type of algae can give you some clues as to wherethe imbalance actually is. An example would be Black Brush Algae is usually caused by Low Co2 levels and/ or too much light. Green spot algae is caused by low phosphate levels and or too much light.
Identify the type and experiment...

eiginh

What kind of algae are you getting?


Nate, did you ever fix your problem with black beard algae?

Nate McFin

No sign of the beard algae since I did the mass clean up and increased my Excel dosage a little. It grows slow though so we will see. So far so good!
I now have a problem with green spot algae on the substrate in the front of the tank. I believe it was due too many water changes and low nitrate levels. I am just starting a phophate dosing plan so hopefully it works. This stuff grows MUCH faster than BBA though.
I dont believe light is my issue as its only on 8 hours a day as it is. and at 2 watts per gallon it seems it should be fine.