My 12L: An Iwagumi style Nature Aquarium

[aqua_chem]

H2O2 maybe. I've had some luck with that lately.

 

[fort384]

I'll give it a try. I have had luck with it in the past but unfortunately it just keeps coming back. Maybe I need to figure out a way to get the light mounted a bit higher. I really do think that is the culprit as I have had algae issues since about 4 weeks in to this tank.

 

[Austin.b]

Just a quick question....what was the flow like in this tank? Where there any dead spots? Maybe thats why your having such a battle with algea?

 

[fort384]

No there is plenty of flow. I have a canister filter with lily inflow pipe. I am 99% sure it is light coupled with my lack of regular dosing.

 

[Austin.b]

I've been thinking about this tank and it's algea problem for a while now. What if you were to do a shorter photoperiod like 3 hours on, then 2 hours off, then 3 hours back on? What do you think? Will that possibly solve any problems?

 

[fort384]

It is worth a try. I have never really experimented with a split photoperiod. I will give it a try. Thanks!

 

[Austin.b]

It is worth a try. I have never really experimented with a split photoperiod. I will give it a try. Thanks!

Also, what about using RO water?

No problem

 

[fort384]

I don't really want to mineralize it. But again an interesting idea. I will consider it.

 

[mfdrookie516]

I definitely like the split photoperiod. I had pretty good success with it, as I'm sure you remember.

 

[fort384]

Yeah was thinking about that Jon when Austin suggested it. I think it is definitely worth a try.

 

[Austin.b]

I don't really want to mineralize it. But again an interesting idea. I will consider it.

I know of people that don't do anything to the water in their 12 longs.

 

[aqua_chem]

Until someone can show me a well documented case where splitting the photoperiod helped algae, I will remain dubious. From everything that I've seen and know about plant biology, this seems like largely superstition.

 

[fort384]

What is the science behind it? It has been awhile since I have seen or read anything on a split photoperiod.

 

[fort384]

I know of people that don't do anything to the water in their 12 longs.

You mean just dump in RO water and be done with it? I am injecting Co2. My pH would drop pretty quickly.

 

[aqua_chem]

From what I've see, there is no actual science behind it.

 

[fort384]

Here is a photo. The hair algae is a little better but still present. The HC on the left started a few months ago as literally 2 or 3 tiny stems. It is doing well and the roots make it easy to clean the hair algae off. The UG in the middle is also growing well but I end up throwing some away every week as the hair algae is difficult to clean off of it without just pulling it all up. The blyxa is also doing well.

 

[fishfanatic]

Your tank is growing in nicely! So overall would your recommend that light fixture?

 

[fort384]

I would, but not for this shallow of a tank. It is too much for 10" depth.

 

[maxwellag]

I would, but not for this shallow of a tank. It is too much for 10" depth.

That might be your problem... Maybe try moving the light higher up above the tank if you can?

 

[fort384]

Not really an option unfortunately. There are no optics on the LEDs. If I hang it like my SW fixture there will be a light of light spillage which won't work in this room.