Would Phosphate = 0 and Nitrates = 0 Give me Zero Algae

[mystic.bertie]

as title, if i could get my phosphates and nitrates to zero would this give me zero algae 'In Theory' or will having the light on 8 hours a day still give me algae, i want to keep my rocks reasonably algae free

6.5ft malawi set up

 

[Gene0514]

I'm pretty sure silicates can also cause algae

 

[Aquafreak]

It will definitely help to keep the phoshates and nitrates down, as these two are big contributors to bad algae problems. High light or long periods of light and any food source like silicates or iron can still lead to algae growth. Frequent water changes and testing are the best ways to keep algae to a minimum. Remember to keep your gravel clean, assuming you have some. GL

 

[mystic.bertie]

thanks for the replies guys, i do have clean gravel and do regular large water changes, i was hoping keeping the levels low and lower lighting would help keep the algae low, so it seems it will still grow but keeping the phosphates and nitrates at a minimum is the best i can do

i intend to run 1 x 58w bulb most of the time instead of 2 bulbs for my 6.5ft tank, its dimmer but its still nice and saves on electricity

 

[sterling_mcdaniel]

I think running just 1 bulb on your tank will help.
(by the way your avatar makes me cry.)

 

[mystic.bertie]

I think running just 1 bulb on your tank will help.
(by the way your avatar makes me cry.)

cry with laughter or sadness

 

[FSM]

Who is it?

 

[NOLAGT]

Who is it?

lol if ya gotta ask...you need to rent some more "movies" j/k google ron jeremy the man the myth the legend lol

I think keeping those levles low will definetly help...but I wouldn't cut back all your lights to get no algae. The reason a fish looks good is the lighting. Im going to attempt to run 2 400w MH on my 8' 240 hap/pecock tank im setting up. I'll have them 2' off the water to spread the light and hopefuly make the alge managabul. We will see....

 

[mystic.bertie]

lol if ya gotta ask...you need to rent some more "movies" j/k google ron jeremy the man the myth the legend lol

I think keeping those levles low will definetly help...but I wouldn't cut back all your lights to get no algae. The reason a fish looks good is the lighting. Im going to attempt to run 2 400w MH on my 8' 240 hap/pecock tank im setting up. I'll have them 2' off the water to spread the light and hopefuly make the alge managabul. We will see....

yes your plan may work, the electricity charges are crazy here in the uk so running 1 bulb will cut down on costs, ill switch the second bulb on sometimes for a nicer effect and just run 1 bulb most of the time.

 

[NOLAGT]

yes your plan may work, the electricity charges are crazy here in the uk so running 1 bulb will cut down on costs, ill switch the second bulb on sometimes for a nicer effect and just run 1 bulb most of the time.

Ahh I didnt see your in the UK. I used to have a reef tank for 8 years and just loved the MH shimmer look. I dont know how its going to look on a fresh tank with africans....but i have to try...if its not worth it color/alge wise ill switch.