Algae on C. Parva

[jccaclimber]

Originally Posted by plantbrain

I have used just CO2 correctly and then parva does not get algae.
Good ferts helps, ADA AS is good also.

Lots of water changes seem to help(CO2 related likely)

Tom, can you expand on that last part a bit? I don't see how a weekly event (water change) causes better consistent CO2 levels.

[Mr. Appleton]

Originally Posted by jccaclimber

Tom, can you expand on that last part a bit? I don't see how a weekly event (water change) causes better consistent CO2 levels.

May have something to do with removing floating algae pieces/spores would be my guess? Most algae seem to break off little chunks and pieces whenever I try to remove them... probably setting themselves up in new spots in the tank.

I know that I was also running a UV sterilizer on my 40G when it was getting overtaken by algae and I think it may've helped as well.

[Noahma]

Originally Posted by plantbrain

I have used just CO2 correctly and then parva does not get algae.
Good ferts helps, ADA AS is good also.

Lots of water changes seem to help(CO2 related likely)

I agree with tom. I just finally was able to rid my tank of BBA algae, and it took little more than killing what was in the tank already, and running very steady co2.

I found a post Tom did a couple years ago with overdosing Excel for three days, doing a water change, and then doing the excel dosing again for a total of 3 times. After that just maintaining the tank and keeping my co2 consistent and it has not come back.

C.Parva is a pretty slow growing plant as it is, so it is going ot be more prone to algae outbreaks than fast growing stems.

Keep going at it, and keep the C.Parva, it is indeed one of the nicest carpets I have kept when it grows in so densely that you cannot feel the substrate when you poke a finger in there lol. Takes a ton of time, but well worth it.

[jccaclimber]

When you say consistent CO2, do you mean '24 hours a day', or 'pressurized, don't forget to refill it, have enough, on/off with the lights'?

[Noahma]

Originally Posted by jccaclimber

When you say consistent CO2, do you mean '24 hours a day', or 'pressurized, don't forget to refill it, have enough, on/off with the lights'?

consistent meaning DIY wont work ;p, pressurized is the best way to keep consistent co2.

[jccaclimber]

Ok. Sounds like I'm good there. I ended up with a massive staghorn outbreak while having my CO2 off for 48 hours (changing stuff out, didn't realize how fast it would go south). Now though it's all hooked back up, so hopefully things will clear up.