Algae Control

[cmersits]

What's the best way to control algae is a tank with flourite substrate and has live plants?

 

[fishnutham]

keep your lighting down to 12hr max and change a min 30% of water weekly this will help to control phosphate (algae food).you will always get some algae in a tank with good lighting.
also i use a uv sterilizer to control free floating algae spores although this only kills green water it does keep the water clear.

 

[illustrae]

Do you user liquid or dry fertilizers to feed your plants? A good fert regime will keep your plants growing fast and they will outcompete the algae for food.

 

[fishnutham]

Do you user liquid or dry fertilizers to feed your plants? A good fert regime will keep your plants growing fast and they will outcompete the algae for food.

my tank exceeds all the requirements needed but still get some algae this is norm for a well lit tank i have yet to see a plants out compete algae all that can be done is keep it under control

 

[danepatrick]

a good sterilizer is good to use though. i've had a planted aquarium and had the WORST trouble with greenwater and even a diatom couldn't keep it away. it came back. i then used a uv sterilizer and althought it doesn't keep the algae off rocks and plants, it sure as hell keeps the greenwater under control. it's amazing.

 

[gomezladdams]

Get a pleco like bristlenose that stays small

 

[Don Gambino]

I love that pic. very nice. I hope my tank is like that one day.

 

[Miles]

Nutrient Imbalance.. Plant's should be eating nutrients before Algae. Do more small frequent water changes to balance your micro/macro nutrients.

Shorter Light Intervals, More Intense lighting..

Don't overfeed..


Where's HarleyK?!

 

[davo]

id recomment half a dozen ottos. really small fish, that wont bother the plants but do a very good job on algae. they have a zebra variety aswell, but much more expensive and prob not worth the extra cost.