(with pics) Bad GRowTH help!!!

[blinkmaster]

I have some weird stuff growing on my swords. Can any of you guys point me to the right direction in which i can get rid of them. This is my fry grown out 20 gallon planted tank. I have 6 fry 2 otto and a bristlenose. All inputs will be greatly appreciated.

thank you

here are some pics. (Please tell me if the pictures don't show up)

 

[assortedsorts]

can't see any pics

 

[robmcd]

I get that same stuff also. Ive found that if you kill the lights for 2-3 days it usually goes away if you catch it early enough.... What is the K rating of your lights???

 

[blinkmaster]

i will try turning off the lights, but how do i determine the K rating of my lights?

 

[frnchjeep]

should be printed on the bulb

 

[blinkmaster]

mine says 20watt. is that good.

 

[Deaths Sting]

mine says 20watt. is that good.

IMO... no.. u should have more wattage then that on a 20 gallon.. unless its HO. or is there a second bulb?

for CFL i would recommend at least 2WPG.. that would mean u need 40 watts.. for a 20 gal

everyone is asking what the kelvin temperature or ur bulbs are.. 5500-10,000K is the ball park u want to be looking at..

i think u should invest in a new light fixture.. if u truly are wanting to grow plants.. also read up about these new terms u hearing of.

FYI, swords are heavy root feeders. i hope ur using at least a little bit of enriched substrate or at least some root tabs.

 

[zajlaus]

Thanks for all the help. My swords seems to be doing fine. These are the baby swords which i grew. I already given away all my parent swords. But with more powerful lights, would that result in more of this problem that i had and more algae growth?

 

[blinkmaster]

Sorry the above post was me. I was at my buddy's place.

 

[Deaths Sting]

Thanks for all the help. My swords seems to be doing fine. These are the baby swords which i grew. I already given away all my parent swords. But with more powerful lights, would that result in more of this problem that i had and more algae growth?

depends on how much light u plan to introduce.. 2WPG should not cause any real big issues.. just don't run it for more then 12 hours..

u could also use DIY co2 - very cheap, very effective in a 20 gallon! this will help with algae and ur plants will grow quicker and better...IMO...