So... My friend algae, you may know him

[150EH]

It looks much better than the last couple of photos, so the black out looks to have done a good job but I think the reduction in your burst will help too. I have my CO2 on 1.5 hrs before the lights come on and this early build up is the only way I can get adequate amounts in the tank, otherwise the drop checker will only make it to green.

[jweis]

I agree, the blackout really helped and your tank looks much better. Good job.

[sfarkhan]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice

There was a little bba and it's all turned light grey and falling off. The string algae is back in a few spots but it melts when I use a tooth brush.

I think starting the CO2 2 hours before the lights come on may make a difference as the drop checker is a light green all the time instead of after a few hours. I've put the Hydor Nano on a timer so it comes on at night and on for 10 minutes a few times a day. It keeps any surface film from appearing and it increases the gas exchange at night but goes off when the CO2 comes on in the morning so I can load the water with CO2. The lack of surface film keeps the CO2 levels from getting dangerous.

On an aside, I serviced the filter - the flow was very low. I found out that I hadn't put the impeller cover on properly. There was a lot of bypass and the filter was filthy. The two bags of Purgen were a coffee colored, haha. This time I swapped out one tray of Fluval bio rings with Seachem Matrix and swapped out the purgen for two new bags. I also rinsed everything in a bucket of tank water. I didn't do it at the same time as a water change. I'll wait a few days and do a proper w/c.

I've increased the K in my ferts. I'll let you know how that works on the algae and (hopefully) bringing out more red in my plants. The iron root tabs are making the crypt Florida sunset turn pink.

[jweis]

It is looking much better. Good job.

[sfarkhan]

Thanks Julie!

The algae seems to be staying away. On a complete aside my tiger lotuses melted. I wonder if that's a side effect of the blackout.

[jweis]

Thanks Julie!

The algae seems to be staying away. On a complete aside my tiger lotuses melted. I wonder if that's a side effect of the blackout.

My little tiger lotus melted too...

[sfarkhan]

Thanks Julie!

The algae seems to be staying away. On a complete aside my tiger lotuses melted. I wonder if that's a side effect of the blackout.

My little tiger lotus melted too...

Sorry to hear that

Did it die for good? I trimmed the larger ones down and they still have a few leaves. I also had two babies lotuses that disappeared. I'm not sure if they will come back but if one does, I can bring it for you at the next meeting.

[scientist0724]

I might have a few lotuses in my tank. I'll look and bring you some to the next meeting.

Arlene

[Aaron]

If the bulb is still okay the tiger lotus can come back.