Algae growth rate in cool water.

[markstrimaran]

Hi
Does any one have a general idea on just how much slower algae growth is in 72f degree water vs 82f.
I encourage it's growth for plant eating cichilds. It just dawned on me, why it is getting picked clean by the fish. Water too cold, not enough iron. Lights are 150 watt reef led.

 

[Fat Homer]

I think if anything, you need to add a more general fertilizer like seachem flourish or something that has a basic mix of nutirients... dont honestly think the temp will effect its growth rate as much as the right ferts + lighting + length of time lights are on

 

[Hendre]

In my coldwater aquaponics black algae took over the exposed areas of growbed gutter in less than a week, i don't think temp affects it too much

 

[markstrimaran]

I know from fishing, small ponds, algae gets thicker as the water gets warm in summer. Then dies off when the water gets cold in the winter???

 

[Woefulrelic]

I know from fishing, small ponds, algae gets thicker as the water gets warm in summer. Then dies off when the water gets cold in the winter???

This likely has a great deal to do with sun exposure, intensity and potentially more water run off adding algae food. I think your growth rate would be increased in higher temps, but like Homer mentioned it probably pales in comparison to having proper nutrients and light.

 

[Fat Homer]

I know from fishing, small ponds, algae gets thicker as the water gets warm in summer. Then dies off when the water gets cold in the winter???

As Woefuleric said, probably due to run etc, also, during winter months fish in the ponds probably are less active and eat less, which also equals less nutrients in the water, plus the drop in daylight all imo means less algae buildup...

 

[markstrimaran]

Yes, thanks for the tips. I do remember algae growing well in trout streams. In the 50 to 60 degree water.
I ll try adding some ferts. Nitrates are around 15ppm. Maybe more iron. Feeding 1 table spoon of food. Maybe too many fish.
I got more lights coming in the mail.

 

[Beetlebug515]

In my own, most humble of experiences, common aquarium borne algae thrive in low oxygen environments. Higher temps force less dissolved o2 and therefore, more algae.

 

[markstrimaran]

Thanks, I never would have thought of that. I added more lights and added iron. Would adding Co2 help. I got a soda water maker.

 

[Beetlebug515]

I wouldn't bother adding co2 if you are only after algae growth. Too finicky for too little of a result. Here was my result when I encouraged algae for the sake of the fish. it was a fry rearing tank, and i wanted the fry to be able to graze.
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/fry-tank-algae.669619/