tyrophagus
Member
Hi
My tank is doing relatively well but I'm getting some algae, multiple types in low quantities
I'd appreciate some advice. I have looked at James planted tank algae page. To avoid algae I need lights that are at a reasonable PAR, good flow, optimal levels of nutrients and high co2. I think I meet all these requirements. I am concerned that the CO2 is fluctuating between a low and high point and is not constant enough.
I think I have BBA, Cladophora, green spot algae and Spirogyra. I'm losing quite a few crypt leaves as well which are melting.
They are all present in very low quantities but I'm concerned that this may be a serious problem soon.
Tank Stats
I think i have good flow - powerhead + 700 l/hr (1800 l/hr rated eheim) via a spray bar across the back of the tank. Plants move gently in the flow.
The tanks 180l and I'm dosing EI for a 250 liter tank.
My lights are are on for 9hrs And I have measured the PAR levels which are approx. 80 at the surface and 30 at the substrate.
CO2 is timed to come on 4 hrs before lights on and goes off about 4hrs before lights out. The rate is high - between 10 and 15 drops per second. Difficult to count accurately. My drop checker is dark green before the co2 starts and by lights on it is lime green and then slowly goes yellow. My fish are fine but I have lost some shrimp from time to time. By lights out the drop checker is still a light yellow to lime green.
So what do I do? Increase my flow, add phosphate for the green spot algae. Is the fluctuation between dark green and bright yellow for my CO2 a problem?
Cheers
Sorry best pic is from camera phone
My tank is doing relatively well but I'm getting some algae, multiple types in low quantities
I'd appreciate some advice. I have looked at James planted tank algae page. To avoid algae I need lights that are at a reasonable PAR, good flow, optimal levels of nutrients and high co2. I think I meet all these requirements. I am concerned that the CO2 is fluctuating between a low and high point and is not constant enough.
I think I have BBA, Cladophora, green spot algae and Spirogyra. I'm losing quite a few crypt leaves as well which are melting.
They are all present in very low quantities but I'm concerned that this may be a serious problem soon.
Tank Stats
I think i have good flow - powerhead + 700 l/hr (1800 l/hr rated eheim) via a spray bar across the back of the tank. Plants move gently in the flow.
The tanks 180l and I'm dosing EI for a 250 liter tank.
My lights are are on for 9hrs And I have measured the PAR levels which are approx. 80 at the surface and 30 at the substrate.
CO2 is timed to come on 4 hrs before lights on and goes off about 4hrs before lights out. The rate is high - between 10 and 15 drops per second. Difficult to count accurately. My drop checker is dark green before the co2 starts and by lights on it is lime green and then slowly goes yellow. My fish are fine but I have lost some shrimp from time to time. By lights out the drop checker is still a light yellow to lime green.
So what do I do? Increase my flow, add phosphate for the green spot algae. Is the fluctuation between dark green and bright yellow for my CO2 a problem?
Cheers
Sorry best pic is from camera phone