Plants vs Algae

[Mbargas]

It seems to me that there is a lot of conflicting information on how to optimize plant growth without encouraging algae growth.

Traditionally Nitrates and phosphates have been implicated as the culprits causing excessive algal growth. I have kept my nitrates quite low, only adding the usual florapride or other similar products containing potassium and other nutrients like iron, manganese, etc. I still have a lot of hair algae that grows on top of the plants.

Some aquarists actually add nitrate fertilizers to help the plants out compete the algae, but I’m reluctant to try that.

CO2 systems are also reported to help but I’m not ready to make such an investment yet.

Any suggestions?

 

[SandNukka15]

Flourish excel will help (liquid co2)

 

[kno4te]

Would suggest stop the addition of iron or reducing it to the lowest amount of adding individual elements. Unless u have lots of red plants then will notice a melting of those plants. Add some current as hair algae don’t like it. It’s a tough balance.

 

[Fat Homer]

Agree with kno4te that each tank has its own variables from water sources to equipment, plants to substrates, the possibilities are almost endless...

Because of this, there is no one size fits all solution and instead requires more of a trial and error approach to see what works and doesnt work for you...

Naturally the amount of work / budget you want to put in plus whether you keep livestock or not will also play a big role in what you can ultimately achieve...

-edit-

Forgot to mention, another good algae killer is hydrogen peroxide but becareful as some plants can be sensitive to it, like they can be to excel...

 

[GermanDude]

A good way of optimizing growth is to know about your water parameters and use plants that can adapt easily.
As it has been written, every tank is different and it can be trial and error if you choose more delicate plants.
Algaes occur because they use small gaps, higher plants need longer to cope with it.
Light can be too weak, or too strong, as well as nutrients.
It is helpful to have a view on the full spectrum, not just adjusting single parameters.
Algae come quickly, but go slowly.
And some of them are in any Aquarium.
My experience in fighting algae is checking substrate for dirt that might be collected deep in the gravel, yes even sand should be deep vacuumed sometimes.
Strong light is no good if there is a lack of CO2 or nutrients.
All these must be in balance, or algae wins.
You can calculate your CO2 level from pH and hardness.
Some plants catch most nutrients out of water, some from the Substrate.
Is there enough flow to convey nutrients?
And I always failed trying to force plants in an emvironment they did not like, but succeeded by trying which ones liked their new home.