True or False:

Stitcher · 04-30-2013, 02:05 PM

True or False: Water changes helps control algae.

I setup my first nano/pico two months ago. It's also my first planted with the exception of keeping a few low light plants years ago.

It's a 3g. I had a lot of problems controlling the temps the first month. I tried 5 different heaters, then put a plexiglass lid on, which helped a lot.

Now the last 4 weeks, I've been neglecting the tank because I've had the flu. There was a little algae. So 4 weeks ago I cut the light from 10 hrs to 8 hrs. I haven't started dosing yet.

I was away for the weekend and came back to a boat load of algae. Brown diatom, hair algae, bright green velvet looking algae on the driftwood.

I thought maybe my tap water has phosphates. So I thought less water changes would help. I need to get test kits. I just have not had the money for them.

What type of water change schedule should I implement? Should I start dosing with something?

The tank: eco complete, 1 Betta, water sprite, star grass, mini xmas moss, green gecko crypt, compact hygro, anubias afzelii.

**herns** · 04-30-2013, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stitcher

true or false: Water changes helps control algae.

true.

Seattle_Aquarist · 04-30-2013, 02:15 PM

true; at least for some algae types

gSTiTcH · 04-30-2013, 02:52 PM

phosphates do not cause algae outbreaks.

**Adam C** · 04-30-2013, 02:56 PM

On nano tanks, water parameters change very quickly. Neglecting a nano can definitely cause issues quickly. For example, all things being equal, if you remove 30% of just pure h2o (or 30% evaporates), you would increase concentrations of things in your water accordingly.

Also, diatoms are very normal during cycling phase.

I would suggest weekly water changes, but you can always do more or less depending on your set up. What kind of lights are you using? How about co2?

Many of us are dosing daily because we have a great demand for nutrients.

Stitcher · 04-30-2013, 03:02 PM

I have the clip on Finnex FugeRay-R Ultra Slim LED Fixture +RED.
No CO2.
Here's a pic taken after I set it up. I will take a current pic tonight.

04-30-2013, 02:05 PM	#1
Stitcher Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Chicago's Western Suburbs Posts: 81	True or False: True or False: Water changes helps control algae. I setup my first nano/pico two months ago. It's also my first planted with the exception of keeping a few low light plants years ago. It's a 3g. I had a lot of problems controlling the temps the first month. I tried 5 different heaters, then put a plexiglass lid on, which helped a lot. Now the last 4 weeks, I've been neglecting the tank because I've had the flu. There was a little algae. So 4 weeks ago I cut the light from 10 hrs to 8 hrs. I haven't started dosing yet. I was away for the weekend and came back to a boat load of algae. Brown diatom, hair algae, bright green velvet looking algae on the driftwood. I thought maybe my tap water has phosphates. So I thought less water changes would help. I need to get test kits. I just have not had the money for them. What type of water change schedule should I implement? Should I start dosing with something? The tank: eco complete, 1 Betta, water sprite, star grass, mini xmas moss, green gecko crypt, compact hygro, anubias afzelii.

04-30-2013, 02:15 PM	#3
Seattle_Aquarist Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (25/100%) Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 2,025	true; at least for some algae types __________________ *Roy* 45 Gallon Tall; 96 Watt AH Supply CF; 6700K; & 30 Gallon Long; 2X36 Watt AH Supply CF; Press. CO2; UGF; Heat Treated Montmorillonite Clay Greater Seattle Aquarium Society (GSAS)

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04-30-2013, 02:52 PM	#4
gSTiTcH Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 326	phosphates do not cause algae outbreaks.

04-30-2013, 02:56 PM	#5
Adam C Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: San Antonio Posts: 79	On nano tanks, water parameters change very quickly. Neglecting a nano can definitely cause issues quickly. For example, all things being equal, if you remove 30% of just pure h2o (or 30% evaporates), you would increase concentrations of things in your water accordingly. Also, diatoms are very normal during cycling phase. I would suggest weekly water changes, but you can always do more or less depending on your set up. What kind of lights are you using? How about co2? Many of us are dosing daily because we have a great demand for nutrients.

04-30-2013, 03:02 PM	#6
Stitcher Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Chicago's Western Suburbs Posts: 81	I have the clip on Finnex FugeRay-R Ultra Slim LED Fixture +RED. No CO2. Here's a pic taken after I set it up. I will take a current pic tonight.