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

[sfarkhan]

Quick update: The water change yesterday dropped the NO3 to 5 - the rest of the parameters are holding per above.

Less visible algae, still there but *hopefully* waining.

Light schedule has been changed per recommendations!

Bank 1: 5000k on at 0800-1400 (this will be switched out with a 6500k bulb, unless you guys think that's too much)
Bank 2: 6500k on at 1300-2100

I ordered a set of 6500K bulbs - I don't like the soft pink/red by themselves - I like the yellow bright sunny happy lights (cue Bob Ross).
I ordered a API phosphate test kit - should get here next week.
I also ordered a digital scale because my first attempt at measuring and mixing dry ferts with a kitchen scale was a fail It's not precise enough and they didn't totally dissolve... I'll mix up another batch with the scale per instructions from this site: https://sites.google.com/site/aquaticpl ... me/pps-pro

I think flow/circulation may also have an affect on the algae/CO2/O2 and debris:

The Fluval 406 doesn't have a lot of flow - I think it may be the PowerMen glass lily intake not having enough holes.

I want to try the stock intake - or getting a powerhead/circulation pump. I just hate seeing equipment in the tank.
The other option is to use an FX5 (no seriously) so I have more flow. The large tank in last weekend's meeting had a lot of flow and looked good. I was afraid of blasting plants and fish to the side As usual, I'm wrong...

Thanks again for all your advice and help!

[150EH]

Flow can definitely cause problems but hopefully the other changes will correct your problems, just wanted to say that so you give your changes enough time so you can see any result.

I bought a scale once and it is a handy item to have but EI is not an exact dose and is meant to be adjusted to your tank, the suggested dosing is just a starting place and many other factors lead to adjustment, like how dense your plants are, good luck.

[sfarkhan]

Hey Tim, I appreciate the reminder to be patient - I've seen how bad it can get so I'm afraid of not being vigilant

I'm currently investigating the possibility of installing a python. The custom faucets in our apartment make it difficult to do. If I can do that, I'll start doing EI otherwise, I'll be doing the bucket brigade and he PPS system to keep my sanity.

[sfarkhan]

Update.

Did a water change on Friday and went away for the weekend. Got back and the long string algae has been reduced but there is a bit more hair algae not extreme.

I'm going to dial down the photo op to

Bank 1: 6500k on at 0800-1100
Bank 2: 6000k on at 1300-2100

Kris, you wanted me to test my Phosphates and before starting the dosing. My electronic scale was delivered so I can mix the ferts properly now.

The API Phosphate test kit was delivered and phosphate is between 0.0 and .25

NH3/4 0 Free
NO2 0
NO3 5
KH 4
PH 6.6
78 degrees

I am about to order 20 amanos from Rachel - I think they will assist in the deforestation and maintenance of my algae.

[sfarkhan]

Algae is in a holding pattern so I'm going to start dosing lightly.

I will also drop the photo period to back to 8 hours from 11 with one bank. 3 hour burst to get the growth going

Bank 1: 6500k at 1300 - 1800
Bank 2: 6000k at 1500 - 2100

Question:
I have my lights suspended about 5" above the water. I've seen them as high as a few feet above tanks. How high do you have your lights suspended? I would prefer to have the lights on longer to enjoy viewing the fish and slow the growth overall.

[sfarkhan]

Quick update: A little research on the plantedtank forums and I found a thread http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/light ... 12-pc.html that talks about setting the height of the fixture.

I raised my fixture to 11" above the water, ~28" above the substrate - based on the chart and I'm keeping the 8/3 hour photo period to see what happens to the algae. Ideally, I'd like to keep the lights on longer to enjoy the view

I also dosed ferts (fingers crossed).

[sfarkhan]

Your lighting is very high too. Maybe try only a 3-4 hour period where all 4 bulbs are on at once. You can even get away with a two hour period. It helps a lot while you tweak your fert levels.

Edit: lights (2 bulbs) are on 8 hours with a 3 hour burst of both banks (4 bulbs)in the middle. I would eventually like to push the time out to enjoy the tank more, but only after the algae goes away and I can finesse the lights.

I think that did it (along with dosing ferts). Did a water change yesterday and clean up with a tooth brush - Hair algae is slowly going away. The ferts also caused a few plants to perk up and grow. Rotala grew from mid tank to surface in 3 days!

Almost cleaned up

tank.jpg (212.85 KiB) Viewed 3664 times

I raised the light to 30" from the substrate ~12-13" from the top of the tank. The suspension hangers should be sold with the light - I don't know how anyone could use the 4" legs they include with the lights, lol

Light adjusted

Light.jpg (34.52 KiB) Viewed 3664 times

Sorry for the blurry image

I am dosing ferts (PPI) and (10ml) of excel daily in addition to the lighting.

I have an army of amano shrimp (30) on order from Rachel to arrive early next week for additional cleaning.

How do you keep algae from infesting your dwarf hairgrass?

[krisw]

How do you keep algae from infesting your dwarf hairgrass?

Plenty of flow through the grass, and your Amano shrimp will help graze too.

[jweis]

Your tank is looking nice and it is really filling in.

[sfarkhan]

Plenty of flow through the grass, and your Amano shrimp will help graze too.

Will do - I have changed the intake to increase the filter flow. I hope it's enough - time will tell.

Your tank is looking nice and it is really filling in.

Thank you I'm learning something new every day