Fluval Spec V

[Caperguy99]

I’ve been having algae problems in this Spec V since it was first setup as a betta tank in 2022. After trying everything, I think the issue was lack of flow. I was using a sponge from a Fluval Edge on the outtake, which essentially took the flow rate down to 0.

I pulled out a bunch of plants that were covered in diatoms, moved the rocks, sucked up as much algae as I could, and replayed the cryptocoryne along the back of the tank behind the lava rock.

I’d be glad to hear any recommendations for any other plants. Also, do you think it would look better if I removed the largest rock?

 

[phreeflow]

Crypts, anubius, Java fern do little to remove excess nutrients as they grow too slow. You can try adding fast growing floaters, easy stems plants like many of the Ludwigia and rotala species, water sprite, etc. In the meanwhile, increase water changes, reduce lights, and feedings.

 

[altums85]

Your light is to strong for that tank. And is what's causing the algae. Either cut the hours or raise the light. Or fill the tank with plants to balance things out.

 

[Caperguy99]

I’ll add some faster growers and see how that works out. I tried vallisineria, but it died right away. And I know people say it dies back, then regrows - but mine melted back and stayed dead.

As for the light, it’s a Finnex 24:7 which I’ve since learned causes algae. I have it dimmed down to around 1/10 brightness, which should be around 43 PAR at 9.5 inches at the centre. It’s also only on for 6 hours per day.

The crypts had proliferated a ton before this photo was taken, but all the leaves - and the anubias leaves - were covered in algae. I mucked out the tank and pulled a bunch of the plants to try and get back to something a little more manageable.

At this point, I’m really hoping the flow was my issue. I removed the baffle from the output, and the extra water movement does seem to make a bit of a difference. Less biofilm on the top, less detritus kicking around the bottom.

My next step is to keep trimming some of the longer crypt leaves and hope to see some new growth. Then I’ll add some new Val or wisteria and see if the flow helps them stay alive. I also have a potassium test from salifert arriving soon - so I’ll be able to check my nutrition levels and make sure they’re in the right ratios.

Wish me luck!

 

[phreeflow]

Good luck. If all else fails, you can drain the tank and try doing a dry start. Use nutrient rich media, plant little plugs throughout the tank, spritz with distilled water, and cover with plastic wrap. Run the lights half a day and spray as needed to maintain humidity but don’t add too much water. That’ll give your plants a chance to develop strong root systems, without algae, so you can get a good start when you flood the tank. Worked great for me but takes a lot of patience.

 

[Caperguy99]

Added some Wisteria, Ludwigia, and Bacopa. Hope they take -

 

[phreeflow]

Added some Wisteria, Ludwigia, and Bacopa. Hope they take -

View attachment 1551546

Great choice. I’d leave the wisteria floating, preferably over the crypts and anubius to shield some of the light. Up there, the wisteria will have access to higher par and atmospheric CO2, so it should take off, sucking up excess nutrients. Once balanced, you can plant it in the substrate again

 

[RyanScanner]

Great choice. I’d leave the wisteria floating, preferably over the crypts and anubius to shield some of the light. Up there, the wisteria will have access to higher par and atmospheric CO2, so it should take off, sucking up excess nutrients. Once balanced, you can plant it in the substrate again

It will all be wisteria in a few weeks, man that **** grows quickly.

 

[Caperguy99]

Alright I messed with this tank today:

New light settings:

~43 PAR readings at 9.5” in the center
- Scheduled for 7 hours per day

Nutrients:

- Potassium; 20 ppm
- Phosphate; 0.15 ppm
- Nitrate; 10 ppm
- Iron; .5 ppm
- Micronutrients (Flourish)

Sucked out whatever old algae I could find and made sure all the plants were stuck nice and solidly into the Flourite substrate. Let’s hope I see some fast growth. Thanks everyone!

 

[Caperguy99]

Alright, I tried adding a nerite snail -

On each occasion, the snail died within 3 days - but I have no idea why.

I did buy the snails from the big box store rather than my usual LFS - as the LFS is a 4 hour drive away. But should this make a significant difference? Is their livestock actually that unhealthy?

Parameters:

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 10
GH: 12
KH: 9
PH: 8.0
Potassium: 20 ppm
Phosphate: .15