New 75 gallon freshwater tank progress, any tips?

[Finthusiast]

Hi everyone! So I have a few questions that Im still not quite sure about yet. I have taken a video of my tank and of all the areas I have questions for please watch and give any comments that relate to questions and/or anything that I may be missing and any other advice is appreciated!
So, main question is, in the algae there are different colors appearing just want to be sure these are all safe types of algae and is it ok for me to let it grow and grow or do I need to be maintaining it in some manner? There is also some stuff growing on my piece of spiderwood in the video you can see. (Is it safe?) I really dont mind letting it grow if this is safe algae
Next question is about plants, if you watch the video I tried to get close and good image of the plants so anyone who has advice on the specific condition these plants are in please share!
Ok finally any tips or 2¢ on my filter media set up? Please and thank you!

 

[kno4te]

Got some brown algae and blue-green from what i can make out. It’s safe.

The fluff on the wood is fine. Will go away eventually.

Plants look bacopa. Not too high nerdy and can tolerate most setups. Atleast I remember.

Filtration looks fine.

 

[esoxlucius]

Yeah I agree. Tank looks great. Main thing though, that little fella looks like he's loving it, and that's all that matters. Keep up the good work.

 

[Finthusiast]

Awesome I appreciate you guys checking it out! Just being cautious as I am still somewhat of a newbie lol I mean I just don’t know what things are supposed to look like so having you guys check it out makes me feel way better! I still plan to add water sprite when the time is right, I want to be sure everything is running smooth as is before getting anything else. The sponge filter has algae growing on top this I imagine can become a problem? I have the thought of creating shade somehow over the sponge to keep this from continuing, water sprite may do just that. Any other suggestions on “lightweight” objects I can use to put above the sponge filter to give it some shade?

 

[Zanzag]

Why would algae on the sponge be an issue?

 

[Finthusiast]

Well I assume it could restrict flow? This is first experience using a sponge filter so maybe I am wrong to assume it will cause issues. So is that ok to let it grow on the sponge filter?

 

[Zanzag]

Almost all of my sponges grow a wierd turf algae. The way I see it regarding algae is unless its blocking my view or smothering a plant I usually let it be and even encourage it

 

[Finthusiast]

Ok cool this is the kind of stuff I have been wondering about. I have been getting lots of great feedback from you guys and just want to be 100 loL. So how often do you recommend I clean my sponge filter? And how do you recommend going about cleaning it

 

[Zanzag]

Weekly-ish, I use the tap (or hose in summer) and blast away until it runs clear occasionally giving it a good squueeze
My sponges are not for bio purposes so I'm not worried about killing off bb

 

[Finthusiast]

Ah ok thanks so much for the reply’s! I’ll be back with more updates in near future!