My Ground-Truthing Tank

[Splash]

OK. Here is my rather modest 29-gal aquarium, which is slowly evolving into a planted "test tank." Notice how I have subtlely taken the photo from so far away that you can hardly see the bba I am currently battling. Upfront is my lone SAE, who has gotten too fat and lazy to bother eating algae any more. He would much rather suck up bits of flake food strewn about by my rainbowfish.

[rumples riot]

Hey, we all started somewhere. Tank looks alright but you need to get a couple more Siamensis in there, maybe three more. When you have lots of them they get struck into what they are meant to do.

Whats all your stats. BBA can sometimes be caused from not enough light. So tell us all your stats and then we can help with removing the algae.

Paul

[rumples riot]

Ahh sorry did not read your foot notes. You have lots of light, but an UGF, get rid of this. You need more plants, and have you got CO2?

Paul

[Splash]

Yep...recently got CO2. Getting very good plant growth now, with pearling. Watching the PO4 and fertilizing with NO3, iron, K, and Dulpa 24 drops for traces. I think it's just a matter of time before I get control of the bba; it was much worse before I finally got the CO2 and better lights. Once I can demonstrate to myself that I can get this to work, I'll get a larger tank and go whole hog, with good substrate, a nice canister filter, etc.

Originally Posted by rumples riot

Ahh sorry did not read your foot notes. You have lots of light, but an UGF, get rid of this. You need more plants, and have you got CO2?

Paul

[rumples riot]

Well you have got everything you need, and if you had the BBA before your recent upgrade, it should disappear in no time, well maybe a month or so.

Good luck with it all.

Paul

[mad about fish]

try changing to a plain black background it shows off your plants better

[Splash]

Originally Posted by mad about fish

try changing to a plain black background it shows off your plants better

:lol:

Actually, that's a good idea. I haven't worried too much yet about "looks," as I am still working on technique. Prior to upgrading my lights, adding CO2, and watching the nutrients, all I managed to keep was slowly dying plants and troublesome algae. Now, plant growth is greatly improved and the algae is slowly dieing back, even the dreaded bba! Once I'm certain I've developed the needed "knack" for a keeping a REAL planted tank, then I'll consider putting in more effort and $$$ to the hobby.