do live FW plants help to lower phosphates that cause the brown algae that grows on crushed coral and on tank glass? What's good for preventing this? Thanks.
Live plants help to prevent brown algae?
- Thread starter sc2dave
- Start date
No. I have about 30 plants in several tanks and all the tanks have struggled with brown algae. High nitrates, an over abundance of light (natural or electric) and the wrong florescent bulb choice are likely the biggest causes. Up the water changes to 50% twice a week for the next month, cut the lights to half the time you run them now and block any natural light from getting to the tank and it should dissipate...then maintain at least 50% water changes weekly if you have fish in the tank. If its just a planted tank, maybe someone else can chime in about a water change regime. Ive never kept just planted tanks.
Hmm I'm having a brown algae break out as well. I'm using 2 48" 34W bulbs on for 9 hours a day. I think mine started when I stirred my sand and the root tabs were released into the water.
From searching some sources say to keep the lights on longer. They also mention that it's common in new tanks. What's wierd is my tank has been cycled already. Maybe it has to do with my play sand. Too mug silica? Most of them agree with cleaning the glass and driftwoods and weekly water changes.
From searching some sources say to keep the lights on longer. They also mention that it's common in new tanks. What's wierd is my tank has been cycled already. Maybe it has to do with my play sand. Too mug silica? Most of them agree with cleaning the glass and driftwoods and weekly water changes.
6 Otos cleared up my brown algea problem. Only trace amounts left on a couple leaves. My tank is bare bottom with plants in small bowls full of river gravel.
depending on your stocking you don't need to be doing 50% water changes every week. Maybe for the first couple weeks but then just resume smaller 10-25% water changes every week.
I disagree with leaving your lights on longer. Try to limit your lighting if you can and really watch your feeding. What's your stocking like?
CO2 or excel could also help
I disagree with leaving your lights on longer. Try to limit your lighting if you can and really watch your feeding. What's your stocking like?
CO2 or excel could also help