Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
You are viewing the forum as a Guest, please login (you can use your Facebook, Twitter, Google or Microsoft account to login) or register using this link: Log in or Sign Up
Remove 2kg and add sponges back.....Algae just loves water with a lot of fine detritus.
Manually remove as much algae as possible using an old toothbrush.
Add Floating plants/Fast-growing stems to the surface.....you must cover 70%.
It is no coincidence that algae proliferate where light-coloured sand is present.... reflective light is the culprit!
Personally, I'm not a lover of white/light sand.....it should be left on the beach.
@GHNelson "It is no coincidence that algae proliferate where light-coloured sand is present.... reflective light is the culprit!" Even if the white sand is almost 90% covered with plants and hardscape?
@GHNelson "It is no coincidence that algae proliferate where light-coloured sand is present.... reflective light is the culprit!" Even if the white sand is almost 90% covered with plants and hardscape?
I always found white sand causes problems... it's my opinion!
The aquarium seems to be in a bacteria bloom.....therefore you need to change some water and get some mature filter media/sponges into the filter.
Fine filter floss will help.
First, thank you all for trying to help me out!
The bacteria bloom is the 3rd I've encountered sinds the setup. Initially after a week, then after planting and now again.
Mature sponges I do not have. Only the original ones that came with the filter. I can change out 1 layer of biohome with these sponges if you think it will help?
Ferts: Do I need to stop with EI? Because plant growth will help me I guess?
First, thank you all for trying to help me out!
The bacteria bloom is the 3rd I've encountered sinds the setup. Initially after a week, then after planting and now again.
Mature sponges I do not have. Only the original ones that came with the filter. I can change out 1 layer of biohome with these sponges if you think it will help?
Ferts: Do I need to stop with EI? Because plant growth will help me I guess?
Hi @dIggO
Remove 2 layers of Biohome....add the supplied sponges!
Personally, I would reduce....the dosing by 50%....till you get the algae, bacteria bloom, and cycle issues sorted.
I'd suggest you turn the light intensity down to 40%, I promise you the plants won't die at this level. Remove as much of the stringy algae as possible by manual means. Do some big water changes 60/70%.
Manually remove more algae, and then do another water change. This needs repeating daily/weekly (as needed).
Tanks like this can be turned around but it requires a bit of elbow grease, you get out what you put in.
I do think what GHNelson suggests would be of help @dIggO. .
Slowly transitioning one or two of the trays to foam will increase your bio surface area, and that should help with bacteria growth and start eating DOCs in the filter rather than happening in the water column. (It may take a month or two to colonise the new foams). I only run sponges in my Oase Biomasters, and the water is very clear. Also, with the Biomaster, I would clean the pre-filter weekly, but leave the internal media (in the trays) alone for as long as the flow is acceptable. I have not cleaned my internal foams for over 7 months (I check every 3), and I can't see myself cleaning that media for another 6 at least.
I assumed Biohome has largely bigger surface area than the standard sponges?!
I do clean those diatoms daily(I wrap them around a little tube brush), but I don't do daily waterchanges, just twice a week 25%)
I would love some Nerite snails, but I heard they are escape artists and I don't have a cover...
In my opinion, you want your pre-filter to be 45PPI or 30PPI foams - the 45PPI comes with the standard Oase in the UK, and I am currently experimenting with the 30PPI this week! After the pre-filter, you can have it how you like!
I have (from the bottom up) HEL-X > 20 PPI Foam > 20 PPI Foam > 30 PPI Foam. (I have the Biomaster 250, so I have one less tray than you). But to be honest, I would lay quite a lot of money on the fact that any combination would work AFTER the pre-filter. I strongly feel that you regularly clean your pre-filter but leave cleaning the media in your main trays for as long as possible until the flow is not great. i.e. I don't think it's the order of the media, moreover letting it get covered in bacteria and hardly ever touching it.
Do a water change every time you disturb the algae, or for that matter the substrate, otherwise you'll end up with a water column full of minute particles of the stuff you are trying to remove/don't want in the tank. Appreciate it means some intensive work but doing so should pay dividends.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
