I have been in a long battle trying to control algae in my tank and the latest idea was based on reading that you want to fertilize your plants via the substrate not the water column. This means the plants get the nutrients and not the algae.
I have read a few things hear and there and it seems like Black Diamond Blasting Sand (Medium) is the best solution and it's cost effective. My dilemma is that I have an undergravel filter (plus a cheap OTT filter) which I want to keep but I am afraid the sand is just going to clog up and/or just pass through the undergravel filter slots. I don't have the sand yet as I am still doing research so I am not sure of the size range of the particles for medium.
I know I need to rinse it very well before use and I was thinking of sifting out all the smaller particles hoping that the larger ones would not pass through the UG filter. My curent gravel is pretty course and only the smallest do pass through.
Is there a better substrate to use with my UG filter that is inert and good for plant roots? I think my current gravel is just a bit to large to use with fertilizer tabs.
Thanks for any help.
I have read a few things hear and there and it seems like Black Diamond Blasting Sand (Medium) is the best solution and it's cost effective. My dilemma is that I have an undergravel filter (plus a cheap OTT filter) which I want to keep but I am afraid the sand is just going to clog up and/or just pass through the undergravel filter slots. I don't have the sand yet as I am still doing research so I am not sure of the size range of the particles for medium.
I know I need to rinse it very well before use and I was thinking of sifting out all the smaller particles hoping that the larger ones would not pass through the UG filter. My curent gravel is pretty course and only the smallest do pass through.
Is there a better substrate to use with my UG filter that is inert and good for plant roots? I think my current gravel is just a bit to large to use with fertilizer tabs.
Thanks for any help.