Sand substrate algae?

[Franks]

I recently rescaped my 155ltr tank which is co2 injected with tonnes of flow, daily fert dosed and has 6 hrs of T5HO light per day. DC is green before lights on and remains that way until lights off.

The MC I put in was dying but after a week has spurted a great deal of healthy new growth. Basically all my plants were dying as the co2 ran out so I switched off the lights permanently for around 2 weeks so not have an algae fest!

I’ve now noticed after a week that the sand substrate around the MC is starting to darken - what is this and how can I rectify it? It’s like a thin crust if I try to siphon it off?

Thanks


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[Zeus.]

Two weeks is a long time for MC to have no light esp when it hasn't been planted very long as it's engery reserves will soon get depleted which will cause it's lower leaves to break down release toxins which the algea will thrive on.

Plus when the lights come back on with the CO2 the plants have to adjust again to the CO2 which takes time

Two options

1. Remove the MC and bad sand, new sand and replant new batch of MC

2. Persevere with present setup and see if it clears and don't run out of CO2 again, adding liquid carbon may help, although if it doesnt clear up soon you may end up with BBA in the area

Rest of plants appear healthy IMO

But no expert

 

[HiNtZ]

Looks and sounds more like bacteria instead of algae. Had something similar recently so removed all the sand, boiled it for three days on my wood burner, then another few days drying at over 300c and it hasn't returned. Nothing else removed it. Not liquid carbon, lights out, fert increase or decrease, with and without CO2.

 

[Franks]

Thanks guys. I did rescape this tank because I was getting patches of it in the old scape which seemed to be further promoted by lack of flow and excessive light intensity which I then dialled back on. I took everything out before rescaping except the substrate which I netted to remove old decaying roots, leaves etc. I should have probably replaced the dirt/sand

I think the easiest option now is to remove that area of sand with a siphon refill and add the new growth of the MC or a new batch. I’m actually in need of a few more plants so could tackle it all in one go.
Thanks

 

[Zeus.]

Out of inteterst what fert regime/dose are you using plus WC frequency/%

 

[Franks]

I used to do 50% WC every week and dosed 5ml of Lush Max complete daily.

Since the rescape I’ve done a few bi-daily WC’s as I’ve been moving the odd plant around so trying to keep floating substrate to a minimum for the sake of my canister filter.

I’ve still got a huge piece of wood for the front to rear right (hence no plants growing there) which has nearly sank so hoping to get that in next week once the new MC, Hottonia Inflata and Procerpinica Palustris arrive!




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[dw1305]

Hi all,

Basically all my plants were dying as the co2 ran out so I switched off the lights permanently for around 2 weeks so not have an algae fest!

Two weeks is a long time for MC to have no light esp when it hasn't been planted very long as it's engery reserves will soon get depleted which will cause it's lower leaves to break down release toxins which the algea will thrive on.

I agree with @Zeus., that long a period without light is a problem. The other plants look all right, but I don't think the carpet will recover.

cheers Darrel

 

[Franks]

Old sand sucked out and new play sand in. Plants in the post.
I’ve added root tabs too since the dirt has lost its nutrients.


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[sciencefiction]

Lack of light would pretty much kill majority of plants. I think it once took for mine around 3 weeks when the lights went completely bust to get a massive plant melt....The tank didn't get any ambient light...
The black patches could have been anaerobic zones due to the break down of the dead roots, etc...like in deep sand beds if one has noticed...Too much light will turn the sand green as well, just like it would do to stones, etc..I've got a very old tank in which I have not topped up or replaced the sand in several years and the white sand is mixed with green grains, not very pretty 😳

 

[Franks]

That makes sense. I also believe I once topped up my sand with silver sand which is safe for aquatics but I don’t think it’s treated. I now only use play sand which I believe is boiled or treated in some way to be safe for children as the silver sand surface used to get a crispy hard crust in the initial few days in was laid. My sand has been in there for a good 4 years though!

I’m back on track now. Plants are pearling up nicely now and lights are reduced intensity and only on 6 hours per day.





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