FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I haven't actually tested for phosphates, so am only speculating at the moment - but when nitrates are 5-10ppm and there is still that mucky algae forming on the glass reasonably quickly, is it probably due to phosphates?

Is there any way to deal with phosphates if an RO Unit is out of the question? If they are arriving in the tank from the external fresh/tapwater source, how can you eliminate/consume them within the tank? Or is it impossible?!

The only safe way to reduce pohosphates is let the plants do it. Phosphate removers can also remove nitrates which will harm the plants and probably lead to new worse algae.

It may not be phosphates. What kind of algae is it? How fast does it grow? Some algae on the glass is almost inevetible in a well lit planted tank. It's tolerated because it's on the glass and not the plants and easy to remove.

I seem to remember Tom Barr telling me the best way to prevent the algae on glass was to ADD phosphate, assuming of course that it's a bright light co2 enriched heavily planted tank with all wlse normal.

---

Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Cheers Ben;

Thats the thing - I'm unsure if its just regular-to-be-expected-algae. Its not swamping the tank or anything, but it does need to be managed regularly.

There seems to be a fair share of black algae on the glass and leaves; whether this is the start of brush algae I'm not sure, but it gives a dirty mottled effect to the leaves. It doesn't rub off the leaves, although it can be scraped off the glass easily enough.. Thats the most annoying algae, as the leaves have to be scrapped/removed which is a shame!

The tank is well lit at the moment and I'm running CO2. I only started this again last week after changing some filter media round to ensure the water doesn't harden up. So we'll see if the CO2 helps any.

If it's the black stuff, should just be on the leaves, never seen it on glass

Anyway the way to avoid black brush algae on the leaves is Co2. Keep it high and constant - 20-30ppm. If you are using pressurized this will easy, if DIY a bit more difficult. If you had the co2 off for while it may explain why it appeared, it grows well when the co2 level fluctuates. The only way to beat it is no co2 at all or very high Co2.

About the only algae I see now is the occasional green spot on the glass. I just scrape it off with an old credit card. I used to have some of the black stuff on the anubias but since I turned up the Co2 levels this has disappeared.

BTW, haven't seen you around in a while! The kids keeping you busy ?

---

Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Yes Ben - son, house, garden, work

x