First high light planted tank 20g L (progression)

[Cohazard]

After only having 10g low-tech tanks over the past few years, I decided to finally try a high-light setup.

I scored a free 20g L with all kinds of goodies (eco complete, driftwood with jmoss and jferns attached, wisteria, ludwigia, a few crypts, and assorted fish).

The tank was an old school metal frame tank, so I decided to use that for the future dart frog tank, and used a 20g L I picked up from a petco dollar/gallon sale not long ago.

I bought a 65w Current CF fixture, and will use this on the tank when I'm ready. Up until today, I was using a dual T5 fixture to 'keep the plants going' until I was confident I know what I'm doing and order the ferts. Today though, I stopped using the t5 lights, and decided to support the 65w fixture 6" over the tank using some plastic tubs that some xmas decor came in.

For 'filtration' I'm using a Zoo Med power sweep, but may switch to either a tom rapids mini canister, or an xp2.

I just placed an order for macros with EGC (Everybody's Garden Center) for 1lb of Potassium Sulfate/Potassium Nitrate/Mono Potassium Phosphate and will be using flourish for trace/micro's.


Here are some pics as I setup the tank. I have since added a few nymphae lillies, some aponos, and a couple anubias, with some c. wendtii 'tropica' cuttings to be added in the near future.

Carinotetraodon irrubesco:

 

[Cohazard]

okay, I figured out my first question.

The tank has algae in it (pale green BBA, or something). I've pulled out most of it, and trimmed the plants, but there's still a lot on the Jmoss and the driftwood.

I'm worried that when I finally start using the 65w light, c02, and ferts, that the algae will go crazy again.

My guess is that the previous owner didn't dose ferts, so the balance of the tank was off allowing the algae to go crazy, so if by adding ferts at the right levels and finding the balance, will the plants simply out compete the algae? Or is that wishful thinking and the algae will be a problem?

TIA for the help

 

[WyldFya]

That will depend on the type of algae. By the sounds of it, it is probably thread algae.

As far as your lighting level, I would not consider that high lighting. You are looking at mid to mid low lighting still. For a 30" tank, you will need something that can light the full length.

 

[Cohazard]

So if it's thread algae, will it be out competed or take over?

I may switch to T5HO later to try out some riccia, but for now I mainly want the back center of the tank to grow stem plants, with low-light plants surrounding the corners of the tank.

 

[amehel0]

okay t5ho' are real good for growing plants by the looks of the algae i would leave it be the plants will eventually eat all the minerals and the algae will go.

 

[WyldFya]

So if it's thread algae, will it be out competed or take over?

I may switch to T5HO later to try out some riccia, but for now I mainly want the back center of the tank to grow stem plants, with low-light plants surrounding the corners of the tank.

Thread algae will take over. The best method for removal is unfortunately physical removal.

 

[ChrisGray]

in some cases upping the light amount will stop algae becasue the other plants grow better and faster and in turn suck up more nutrients from the water which can kill off unwanted algae. this is not a for sure method but i have seen it work before

 

[WyldFya]

That will only work IF you have good parameter balance, high-light plants, and fast growing plants. Co2 will also likely be needed depending on the lighting added. That is very dangerous advice you give, as it can cause far more problems with algae.

 

[Cohazard]

in some cases upping the light amount will stop algae becasue the other plants grow better and faster and in turn suck up more nutrients from the water which can kill off unwanted algae. this is not a for sure method but i have seen it work before

That's what I had in mind too. So I bought a few bunches of wisteria, ludwigia, and cabomba the other day to be sure I had enough.

The tank is doing awesome and the algae hasn't showed any growth (the amano's are also important to keep it supressed).

That will only work IF you have good parameter balance, high-light plants, and fast growing plants. Co2 will also likely be needed depending on the lighting added. That is very dangerous advice you give, as it can cause far more problems with algae.

Earlier in this thread you stated that the thread algae would take over when I asked if plants could out compete it for nutrients. Maybe next time you will elaborate more to give a more complete answer the first time.

 

[WyldFya]

Maybe next time you will ask an actual question you want, rather than asking one thing, and then being a jerk to those helping you. I answered the question in full earlier.