OK, So I increased my wpg to 65 on a 20 gallon, but that will soon be reduces to 55wpg on a 20, because the 65 will be going on my 29 gallon.
Since the higher wattage, I have noticed a lot of green string algae and brown string algae. I have stopped my Leaf Zone Iron fertilizer to try and cut back on it. The algae only seems to be on slower growing plants.
So my question is, is this anything I should be worried about? And if so, what can I do to slow it down or stop it?I think the lower wattage will help, but is there anything else? Thank you.
How long is the photoperiod? String algae and brush algae are normally encountered with an excess of iron relative to the level of other nutrients. Reducing iron may not be the answer. Perhaps increasing macros , and a 10 hour photoperiod are the answer. Its all about balance. Do you know what your macro levels are?
Read the "all about fertilizer" Sticky post in the general section for some guidance. Knowing your nitrates is a good start. You'll also want to know what your phosphate levels are and knowing your iron levels would be a plus. Pottasium is also very important, but ther's no really good test for it but you can safely assume that your tank has next to no potassium, so you can use that as your starting point for potassium. One thing about iron readings, they can be tricky depending on the how they're chelated. Is your head spinning yet? :lol: It took me a while to get a handle on this stuff, so be patient and learn as much as you can, it'll all be worth it. And everybody here will tell ya that it's not an exact science but more of an art.
Im encountering the same thing....string green algae on the slow growing leaves. You suggest lowering photoperiod to 10 hrs? Does this hurt the plants..prob not...right?
10 hrs is plenty of light for the plants to thrive if the WPG (2.5-3 wpg depending on tank and bulb efficiency)is where it should be. This is not a cure-all though, a proper balance of ferts is probably the main culprit. After about 11 hrs of light a lot of plants will begin to close thier leafs signifying that they've had enough light. Severe algae problems might not respond to a reduction in the photo period. New tanks are much more prone to short bouts of algae outbreak because of a variety of factors such as plants getting established and biofilter efficiency. It can take 2 months easily before a new tank settles into a balance. It's important during this period to stick to the guidelines and not make too many changes to tank chemistry. This is why test kits are so important, for some sort of consistency. Once the tank is established you can tweek your proportions a little and observe cause and effect.
Cool thanks marcel! Will give that a shot....been fertilizing ok just having the haze in the water...pretty bad so running a HOT Magnum with DE in it. Clouds keep coming back though. I also have run into a bout of ICH that I have been treating with RID ICH +.
Unfortunately the RID ICH+ is not very forgiving....I have lost 2 of my SAE's and 1 German ram along with abou 20 ghost shrimp
Still treating according to the bottle though....man this stinks.
Oh well keep rolling with the punches!
pH 6.8, nitrates 5 ppm, phospate between .1 and .2, KH 6, GH 8
Very stable conditions....I have also raised the tank temp to about 81 to 82 degrees to help with the ich.
Mike
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