[tanksalot]

I have a CO2-supplemented 55 gal. planted aquarium in my sunroom. It's got a built-in overflow to the outside, and has been set up there for many years. I'd very much prefer not to move it. Here's a photo mid-cleaning:

I've harvested POUNDS of brush algae from everything during this cleaning. The plants grow "OK", but the algae does gangbusters. Here's just one example:

. Is there one additive/missing component to the water that causes the algae to out-perform the planted plants? Or should I just initiate a complete feeding program and hope the algae loses? I have a few dosing pumps that I could use to add whatever is needed.

I haven't been keeping current with my reading and have honestly let the tank slide, so I apologize in advance if my question appears simple.

Tanksalot
Stan F.

 

[|GTO|]

Lots of direct/indirect sunlight is creating the persisting algae issue.

you should remove as much of the algae by hand as possible, crank the CO2, shade the tank more, be more liberal with the nutrient dosing, more consistent water charge, and spot treat the algae with excel.

That is the short of it, the long of it is, well, long haha.

 

[shane3fan]

If I were you--and Im not--I would put some sort of background material on the back and sides of the tank to block out light--I would also try to provide some shade to the front of the tank with curtains or shades over the windows during prime daylight hours.

 

[jreich]

Lots of direct/indirect sunlight is creating the persisting algae issue.

you should remove as much of the algae by hand as possible, crank the CO2, shade the tank more, be more liberal with the nutrient dosing, more consistent water charge, and spot treat the algae with excel.

That is the short of it, the long of it is, well, long haha.

+1! or use H2o2 insted of excel.

 

[bsmith]

Tint the windows...dark.

 

[Hoppy]

Is that tank lighted by anything except the sun? If not, I agree that you need to cut down on direct sunlight above all else. I would put black cardboard against the tank walls that face the windows, and if the sun shines in from other directions I would put shades on the windows to stop that too. As natural as sunlight is, algae is natural too, so maintaining the natural lighting isn't really a good idea.

And, congratulations, I hereby award you the prize as expert BBA grower! I thought I was the champion, but you do it much better than me.

 

[Casie]

What a great sunroom, Tanksalot! Maybe consider changing it up. I don't know a lot about the subject, but if I had the same delimma I would try emersed growth or something more pond-like. Maybe even try something like that Maple tree pic from Rasbora's post on Tokyo stores.

Really, I would be more excited about finding specific plants / critters that would thrive in this unique set up, rather than cover all the windows in a sunroom.

Gecko's, frogs, blooming emersed plants... there has to be something perfect for this set up! Maybe some vivarium / terrarium / pond experts out there can offer some options. =)

 

[mistergreen]

Some light drapery to cut down on the direct sunlight would work great. It would look better & cheaper than tinting your windows.

As for the Black Beard Algae. I have the same thing and honestly couldn't tell you. I only have 8 hours of lights (med/high) and plenty of CO2.

If you want to get rid of it off your anubias, check out my thread here.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/algae/114430-incredible-disappearing-algae.html

 

[tanksalot]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies.

I finally correlated the fact that my neighbor (behind me) did a massive tree-trimming this spring before the algae problem became obvious. In the years the aquarium's been there, it would get overgrown, but nothing like this time. I've been neglecting the tank, just letting the CO2 on the controller do its' thing and feeding the fish. Nothing else. Now with the significant increase in sun, the algae went nuts. Nothing else illuminates the tank, just the sun.

I don't disagree that the shading/film etc. will significantly remedy the problem. What I have a hard time understanding is why THIS algae. It would also seem to me (and possibly only me) that with the right supply of nutrients and CO2, the "sunlight overload" would only give me great plant growth.

I recall when I HAD been dosing, the tank responded well, but then algae started coming in, so I stopped. Time has taught me that, despite my best intentions, I am NOT a dedicated," test-regularly, record & adjust appropriately" kind of guy. I really wish I were. I'm more of a creative, forgetful free spirit with a strong technical bent.

Since I have plenty of dosing pumps, anyone care to suggest a simple strategy for plant nutrients that will at least give this tank a chance?

Again, thank you very much for your time and advice.

Tanksalot

 

[wendyjo]

I'd get some simple roll up bamboo type blinds that would virtually disappear when not in use.

 

[dzydvl]

I had a similar issue, I added a Uv filter. Petco had a 9v GKM on sale for $39. I know it doesn't help prevent various types of alage, but without it, I had pea soup. In my case it took 11 days to completely clear the tank, now I only run it a few hours a day.

sent from my phone, because I can't get the internet out in the boonies.

 

[Hoppy]

If you continue with the high light you obviously have, you can't also continue with your "hands off" tank maintenance. High light does lead to great plant growth, which quickly leads to a tank crammed with too much plant mass, stagnant water, and heavy competition among the plants for the limited nutrients. That spells algae every time. Like all of us, you need to make a decision about whether you want to be tied down by the required mantenance of a high light tank, or would prefer a low light tank, where a "hands off" approach works fine.

One option you could explore is making that tank a riparium. That would let you shield the lower part of the tank from the high light, but use that light to get spectacular growth of the above water plants, without serious algae threats.

 

[Kathyy]

+1 for a riparium. That would be a perfect spot for one.

That BBA is magnificent. I am not showing that photo to mine, don't want it to get any ideas about world domination.