Algae issues

[Heck09]

I have had a 25 gallon tall aquarium for about six months now.

I recently upgraded to a planted plus led from fluorescents and the algae problem isn't as bad as it was before, but it is still an issue.

It's growing on my plant leaves and hurting their growth visibly now and I'm at a loss on what to do

I used to dose ferts and liquid co2 with the old lights, but no longer do with the planted plus

And advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance, Ryan


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[Caliban07]

I have had a 25 gallon tall aquarium for about six months now.

I recently upgraded to a planted plus led from fluorescents and the algae problem isn't as bad as it was before, but it is still an issue.

It's growing on my plant leaves and hurting their growth visibly now and I'm at a loss on what to do

I used to dose ferts and liquid co2 with the old lights, but no longer do with the planted plus

And advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance, Ryan


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Hi Ryan

Algae predominates when there is an imbalance between light, carbon dioxide and nutrients.

Can you find the PAR rating of that new light fixture by any chance? This will help determine whether your lighting is classed as low, medium or high.

Basically your light intensity and duration will dictate the rate of photosynthesis. For plants to grow without issue the carbon and nutrients need to match the lighting levels. If they don't have enough nutrients and carbon to draw on then they will show deficiencies and algae will flourish.

The easiest think you can do is continue to dose fertilisers and carbon to see if things pick up. You will need to add all the elements that plants need to grow healthily.

Macro nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphates.

Secondary macro's calcium, magnesium, sulphur

And all the trace elements.

How long do you leave your lights on for?

What is your water change routine?

What is your stocking levels?

Cal.


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[Heck09]

Hi Ryan

Algae predominates when there is an imbalance between light, carbon dioxide and nutrients.

Can you find the PAR rating of that new light fixture by any chance? This will help determine whether your lighting is classed as low, medium or high.

Basically your light intensity and duration will dictate the rate of photosynthesis. For plants to grow without issue the carbon and nutrients need to match the lighting levels. If they don't have enough nutrients and carbon to draw on then they will show deficiencies and algae will flourish.

The easiest think you can do is continue to dose fertilisers and carbon to see if things pick up. You will need to add all the elements that plants need to grow healthily.

Macro nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphates.

Secondary macro's calcium, magnesium, sulphur

And all the trace elements.

How long do you leave your lights on for?

What is your water change routine?

What is your stocking levels?

Cal.


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Lights on for 9 hours

Water change is about every 7-10 days

Stocked 80% according to aquadvisor

Thanks for the quick reply
Ryan


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[bcarl_10gal]

You need co2 or more metricide. Fert imbalances do not cause algae.


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[Heck09]

Metricide? Sorry I have never heard that term


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[bcarl_10gal]

Its a carbon source, a cheaper version of excel. If you have 70 par at the bottom you need a carbon source.


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[fishenthusiast]

I had the same issues last summer that you are currently experiencing. You need higher CO2 levels in that tank. I bought a CO2 system in December and my plants are so much healthier. It might be difficult to get enough CO2 in that tank without a pressurized system. DIY CO2 is a less expensive option, but it can be inconsistent and you have to do more work with it.


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[Heck09]

Its a carbon source, a cheaper version of excel. If you have 70 par at the bottom you need a carbon source.


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Will excel suffice until I can afford a co2 system?


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[Heck09]

I had the same issues last summer that you are currently experiencing. You need higher CO2 levels in that tank. I bought a CO2 system in December and my plants are so much healthier. It might be difficult to get enough CO2 in that tank without a pressurized system. DIY CO2 is a less expensive option, but it can be inconsistent and you have to do more work with it.


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I have been putting off buying one, I was hoping since my ten gallon does so great without one I wouldn't need one for the 25


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[RedDevil83]

Uv defuser works great also and doubles as an extra filter.


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