[Stan510]

Even after these decades I know zip about plenums and his other ideas on that. BUT! What I agree with here 100% is that phosphates are our enemy. I say big water changes and constant filter cleaning will do it...but all my life when I read of natural waterways destroyed? Its phosphates...runoff from farms and factories. All others are secondary pollutants..metals,nitrates..or exotic things. Yet,numero uno is always phosphates.

 

[Stan510]

Phosphates cause algae blooms is no doubt. If your aquarium is thriving with high levels..congrats since the plants must be in good enough shape to handle them in EXCESS. Now,Novak might be saying that minor amounts cause big problems..I don't know about that. I haven't the chemistry set to tell you and you could post on his channel. But when algae does go wild you probably have high phosphates.
Back to my other post to lower that!..change water,etc,..ha.

 

[Stan510]

He seems to be the expert nobody agrees with. I'm not into plenums and anoxic filters. Amano and a million others have done fine without them. His tanks are pretty much lightly populated and THAT goes farther into reducing algae than almost anything else.
I do like to feed my fish..and the sun with that is a combo that's been a real challenge. But weekly water changes and weekly filter cleaning has really made a difference. Especially since the Rainbows have grown to about 5" heavy bodied beasts..peaceful and fun beasts-ha. So,I think the excess phosphates are just pure algae fertilizer.

I've learned over the years- fish tank water is potent if you use it on houseplants. Don't listen to those who say "Great for plants!"..It is in occasional use..but steady use will cause salt burn and then you need to remove soils and replant. FWIW.

I'm close to where I need to be algae wise..but not there exactly.