Started as High Tech - Transitioning to Low Tech

[richardcunliffe]

a low tech tank with little to no water changes

My CO2 just ran out, and I've never dosed it yet, so I guess I am 😅

some hair like algae on some of my ferns

Snap, pretty sure mine is BBA given my nearby BBA moss impersonation that I'm embracing...
As suggested above, I just keep taking off the worse leaves. Generally my plants are pretty free of it, not so my hardscape. CO2 control definitely the issue for me but I'm not stressed by it... except in the crenata carpet where it's annoying

 

[MaterialCrab]

Snap, pretty sure mine is BBA given my nearby BBA moss impersonation that I'm embracing...

Well that actually looks incredible, I love it 😁

I've had a look through your journal and it was an enjoyable read! Your tank is beautiful.

I'm going to sell the two Hygger lights and invest in a Fluval Plant 3. I figure I'll save on electricity in the long run with just the one light.

Whilst I don't mind the BBA as it's only on a few leaves, I don't want it to become a problem AND the Hygger lights at lower intensity don't make for a great display.

I'll do a before and after once it arrives.

 

[bazz]

Have you or are you currently running a low tech tank with little to no water changes?

No, I have a 40cm low tech cube with some sensitive fish of which I change 50% of the water each week with no problems at all. I know I'm old school but to me the tank always looks brighter and more healthy after them, I personally cannot see a problem with large water changes as long as the parameters are exactly the same. but it's horses for courses.
I'll post a snap after lunch when the light comes on.

 

[MaterialCrab]

My Fluval Plant 3.0 came today.

Vastly different from the Hygger.

Both lights are set to 30% in the below comparison.

I'll be going for a 12 hour photo period, 10 hours on 30% and 2 hours on 40%. I shall report back with my findings.

Here are the settings on my Fluval for reference.

 

[MaterialCrab]

I should not be this happy about something so simple but it will be a game changer for my water changes.

My tap water is very hard, this will solve that problem for the most part.

 

[MaterialCrab]

A little update, the BBA / Staghorn algae as drastically died down.

I've just been doing top ups from my water butt.

I've ordered some Daphnia as well as I've read on this forum that they are a good indication of healthy water within the water butt.

Sadly my fx4 is running poorly so I went back to my trust seechem tidal which is fine as I don't need the flow in a low tech set up and that filter has served me well for many many years.

Also added some Peace Lillies to the tank which is a nice touch, excited to watch those grow also.

Oh and current light schedule