What type of algae? Can you post a picture?
To be fair, I'm somewhat exaggerating. I'm not
overrun with algae, but it is definitely enjoying my tank and building up. I have a lot of brown fuzzy algae on my plant's leaves which is quite unsightly and probably interferes with their photosynthesis.
How long do you run lights?
Admittedly, too long. I only accepted maybe 2 days ago that my hopes are unrealistic and they can't be on for 11 hours straight.
However I did read an article (I wish I could recall the source, it was a few weeks back, argh), which claims that the photosynthesis of plants is unaffected if they take a "siesta" of two hours in the middle of the day, whereas the photosynthesis of algae is severely crippled, and that lights can be run for 10-12 hours total if there is a 2 hour break midday.
I wish I could find my source.
I changed my timers to perform this plan, but it's only been 2 days. However in that 2 days the algae scrubber has begun working because it's now the more desirable location.
I appreciate you're taking a few minutes to think about my algae problem, but I have to admit at its core it's pretty simple - I've been running the lights too long, and I DO know this. This is kind of why I am hoping to try some other things on my tank like the algae scrubber, lights siesta etc in order to promote algae to grow in the sump so that I can still have the lights on in my tank. If I have to cut back to hours, I guess I can, but honestly I won't be happy about it. Are there other avenues to explore first?
What ferts are you using? Are you using liquid carbon such as Excel?
Dry fert macro/micro nutrients mix from
aquariumfertilizer.com, in the minimum daily dosage. I'm not sure how much I can safely dose up to, I need to look at the FAQ again. I assume this is very similar to the dry fert macro/micro mix you linked further in your reply.
Also root tabs under some of the plants
I don't have any Excel, but I happened to order some yesterday.
Try running lighting only 6 hours daily until algae goes away then slowly increase photoperiod but I suggest no more than 8 hours, and even less if you get algae at those levels.
I can do that. I was just hoping the algae scrubber would let me keep the lights on longer.
Question for you guys -you mention the algae scrubber will steal the plants' nutrients, but if I have excess nitrates and dose enough ferts, aren't there plenty of nutrients?
Your plants also need some type of ferts and using a liquid carbon will not only help plants with photosynthesis and growth but also acts as an algaecide. I would suggest using 1ml of liquid carbon for every 2 gallons of tank water daily.
Thank you, I'll begin dosing that as soon as it arrives on Wednesday
Since it's a large tank you would want to get Metricide 14 Day Solution which costs about $27 or less shipped for a gallon. You mix it at a 1:1 ratio with RO or Distilled water to get 2 gallons for that price. It's very reasonable to use. Just shop around on line as some places charge up to $40 which is way too high.
Thank you, is this the same as Excel?
As for ferts you should look into dry ferts which are the most economical for a larger tank. Here is some info...
You need 3 dosing bottles found at the bottom of this page...
http://greenleafaquariums.com/aquarium-fertilizer.html.
Oh man. I need some of those.
Right now I mixed my ferts in distilled water in a jar but it looks like it's growing bacteria. Way to use a clear jar, me...
This is a good thread about dosing PPS-Pro. Only read the opening post not all the comments after it....
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/pps-analysis-feedback/39491-newbie-guide-pps-pro.html.
Excellent, thank you. I have heard this method mentioned but never looked into it.
There are two things I do different from the article. First I use 3 dosing bottles as I split the macro nutrients for better custom dosing to the needs of the tank. Nitrates in one bottle, phosphates and potassium in one bottle, and micro's in the 3rd bottle. The other thing you'll notice the recipe calls for using MgSO4, magnesium sulfate, which you don't need if you have hard tap water with a Gh and Kh of 4 or higher.
Ah I see. I will have to look more closely at what is already included in my macro/micro nutrient mix from aquariumfertilizer.com. I have exceptionally soft tap water with no kH, so it sounds like I might also need magnesium sulfate as a supplement if my fertilizer doesn't include this already.
Rivercats you are wonderful, thank you so much for the detailed reply and instructions. I've attached a picture of the algae growing on my plants. Although, the simplest way to be rid of this will be to decrease my lighting, so currently my own stubborness is in the way.
