Control of Algae in Planted Aquaria

[pedietz]

Wow....

I just found this document:
http://www.netpets.com/fish/referenc...f/algaepa.html

It explains why algae grows and how to reduce it.

Instead of reducing your light period and fertilizing less, the paper suggests that:
- you crank up your co2
- crank up lighting to 12h /day
- increase N and K fertilization

This causes the plants to grow and use up all the phosphate in the water -- so algae cant thrive.

[George Willms]

I keep plenty of phosphate in my water so that my plants can thrive, they need just as much as they need n and k, without it you won't get much growth.

[GulfCoastAquarian]

Interesting article. And in most cases, their recommendation to limit phosphate works since most community tanks are full of organic phosphate that is not testable by conventional PO4 test kits. But in an established planted tank, all that matters is proportion. 10-1-20 for N-P-K.
I've actually added orthophosphate to reduce algae. The reason being, as I understand it, is that algae is opportunistic and can take advantage of any one nutrient excess, while plants need all in proper proportion.

[Rex Grigg]

Ahh... another newbie discovers the Sears and Conlin paper. It's so cute when they think they have found nirvana. Mr. Sears just recently posted on the APD that in the end he had to dose phosphates to keep his plants growing.

[GulfCoastAquarian]

I didn't even check the authors of the article! It did seem like I was reading the same thing all over again, haha. It's a wonder why website like that wouldn't publish an update to Sears and Conlin's findings.

[SCMurphy]

Originally Posted by GulfCoastAquarian

I didn't even check the authors of the article! It did seem like I was reading the same thing all over again, haha. It's a wonder why website like that wouldn't publish an update to Sears and Conlin's findings.

Most don't know it was updated.