Green water yet no PO4???

[Sly_Fra]

Hi guys,

just back from 9 days vacation, my water is green, yet my PO4 readings are at 0.

NH3 = 0, NO2 = 0, NO3 = 0
Temp at 78F (26C)

Aquarium in s a 33 Gal well planted, 2 Pearl gouramis, 2 honey, 2 female betta, 10 Neon tetra and a bunch of yamato shrimps.

About 10 hours of light per day (timer), 110W, 1 hour of morning sunlight at angle (rising sun)

Ideas...?

 

[Crepe]

It's probably the sun. And also it's BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD to let any of your macro parameters to fall to 0. That's begging for algae. I suggest you reduce your lighting and start dosing NPK. The cause of your green water isn't the presence of PO4 but the lack of it and Nitrogen in a well lit system.

Also,you may need co2 set up; what is the volume of the tank?

A small dose of erythromycin will help clear your green water up or willow branches: Fighting green water. Simple cheap method. - Algae - Aquatic Plant Central

 

[Sly_Fra]

I just happen to have a willow (weaping willow that is) in my backyard.

Guess where I'm going next...?

I do have a DIY CO2, tank is a 33 gal.

Do I let the branches float or I force them down? DO I need to combine this with a black out (not sure he riccia will like that!)

I'll get some NPK tomorrow.

 

[Crepe]

Just stick them and try to keep the bottom, cut portion submerged. I wouldn't combine it with a black out. It's not worth losing your plants over a little nuisance green water.

 

[Sly_Fra]

Last question, with or without the leaves?

Thanks a bunch

 

[Crepe]

I see people keeping the leaves on the majority of the plant.

 

[Sly_Fra]

Any product you would particularly recommend for increasing NPK? NutraFin Plant Gro NPK for example?

 

[Sly_Fra]

OK got myself NPK source. Should I start the fert now or wait until it clears up (I guess if I fert now, algea and willow will absorb all the I add no?)

I reduced light from 11 to 10 hours, and I blocked the direct sunlight from the lateral side most exposed (and less visible to viewers from the couch), that should stop more than 50% of little sunlight there is.