Adding ferts to a non-planted tank?

[Kezzab]

This may be a daft question, but thought i'd double check. I'm now running an unplanted hillstream tank (https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/its-educational.58374/#post-603273) and would like to grow more algae. Despite quite strong lighting, algae growth is limited. The tank is lightly stocked.

Would adding say a "low tech" dose of complete ferts help the algae along, or are there unintended consequences lurking?

 

[Witcher]

It should help, I use similar technique to prepare small tanks for very young Amanos - just a bit of ferts (preferably Urea only but not sure if it will affect your fish etc, my tanks have no animals while algae are growing) and sun light.

 

[Simon Cole]

Rachael O'Leary had the same problem and put it down to the pothos plant. She put a great video on YT if you want to check it out.

 

[Kezzab]

Rachael O'Leary had the same problem and put it down to the pothos plant. She put a great video on YT if you want to check it out.

Ah, interesting. I'll have a look.

 

[Simon Cole]

It's a classic Rachael moment. Check it out here:

 

[rebel]

Would adding say a "low tech" dose of complete ferts help the algae along

Yes and crank that light to the max!