I have not had the opportunity to ready every single thread in the Planted Tank forum. I have an algae problem (hair and/or staghorn) -- it was very minor but in the past week there has been considerable growth. My plants look healthy and are developing good root systems but the algae is starting to take a foot hold.
I have read about people using Excel or peroxide but I would like to try to avoid adding chemicals if at all possible.
As some of you indicate, and I believe is true, if plant growth is good, the algae levels will be non-existant or minimal. I often read that you need to make sure that your micros and macros are at optimum levels however, I have not been able to find out what micros and macros are. Also, how do you check for micros and macros?
Here are the specs on my aquarium:
15 Gallon, medium planted (equal balance of broad leaf, mid-size leaf, and narrow leaf plants)
5 phantom tetras, 10 cardinals, 3 albino SAE's (all get along and are healthy)
pH (circa 7.5)
NH4+ 0 ppm
NO3- 2.5 - 5 ppm
NO2- 0 ppm
T 25 degrees C
25% water change each week, add approx. 1/2 tsp of Sera Florena to the new water being added to the tank.
DIY CO2 (no way of monitoring how much but have not seen any pH fluctuations).
Lighting: compacts, 65W; 10 hours continuous + 2 hours in the morning to assist with feeding.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
I have read about people using Excel or peroxide but I would like to try to avoid adding chemicals if at all possible.
As some of you indicate, and I believe is true, if plant growth is good, the algae levels will be non-existant or minimal. I often read that you need to make sure that your micros and macros are at optimum levels however, I have not been able to find out what micros and macros are. Also, how do you check for micros and macros?
Here are the specs on my aquarium:
15 Gallon, medium planted (equal balance of broad leaf, mid-size leaf, and narrow leaf plants)
5 phantom tetras, 10 cardinals, 3 albino SAE's (all get along and are healthy)
pH (circa 7.5)
NH4+ 0 ppm
NO3- 2.5 - 5 ppm
NO2- 0 ppm
T 25 degrees C
25% water change each week, add approx. 1/2 tsp of Sera Florena to the new water being added to the tank.
DIY CO2 (no way of monitoring how much but have not seen any pH fluctuations).
Lighting: compacts, 65W; 10 hours continuous + 2 hours in the morning to assist with feeding.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks