Terry
Member
Hi,
Once again I'm looking to UKaps members for advice...sorry! Forgive me I'm still learning about this great hobby.
Problem: for some reason a film of green algae suddenly appeared last week on the top of the water; only obvious by looking up from beneath the surface. The remainder of the tank water looks very clear thanks to Graeme’s recent (FoF) advice about flow and a cloudy water issue. I’ve done the normal weekly 50 % water change and a couple of 25% water changes but the green layer reappears within a day or so.
Plants look healthy IMLE and no other evidence of algae in the tank.
I recently added an additional T8 to give better lighting but in doing so I suspect the balance of lighting and nutrients have been upset. I’ve switched off the extra T8 for the time being but no immediate improvement as yet.
Tank Details
250 ltrs, L48 x W15 x H20 inches
CO2 injection – Starts 2 hrs prior to lighting ON and off 1 hr before lighting switches off
CO2 drop checker showing green.
Substrate: Flora base topped with fine sand
Filter: EHEIM 2026 Pro II
Lighting: 2 x 42 inch T8 40w (Aquaglow and Powerglow) – 10 hours
Recently added 1 x 42 inch T8 40w (Powerglow) 3hrs (1330 – 1630)
EI Dosing as per James Planted Tank Instructions link
½ tsp KNO3 - 3 x per week
â…› tsp KH2PO4 - 3 x per week
â…› tsp K2SO4 3 x per week
⅛ tsp traces – 3 x per week
50% water changed weekly
(I’ve only been dosing EI for approximately 4 months and have seen much improved growth in plants).
The obvious answer is return to original light settings but are there any other options?
Once again I'm looking to UKaps members for advice...sorry! Forgive me I'm still learning about this great hobby.
Problem: for some reason a film of green algae suddenly appeared last week on the top of the water; only obvious by looking up from beneath the surface. The remainder of the tank water looks very clear thanks to Graeme’s recent (FoF) advice about flow and a cloudy water issue. I’ve done the normal weekly 50 % water change and a couple of 25% water changes but the green layer reappears within a day or so.
Plants look healthy IMLE and no other evidence of algae in the tank.
I recently added an additional T8 to give better lighting but in doing so I suspect the balance of lighting and nutrients have been upset. I’ve switched off the extra T8 for the time being but no immediate improvement as yet.
Tank Details
250 ltrs, L48 x W15 x H20 inches
CO2 injection – Starts 2 hrs prior to lighting ON and off 1 hr before lighting switches off
CO2 drop checker showing green.
Substrate: Flora base topped with fine sand
Filter: EHEIM 2026 Pro II
Lighting: 2 x 42 inch T8 40w (Aquaglow and Powerglow) – 10 hours
Recently added 1 x 42 inch T8 40w (Powerglow) 3hrs (1330 – 1630)
EI Dosing as per James Planted Tank Instructions link
½ tsp KNO3 - 3 x per week
â…› tsp KH2PO4 - 3 x per week
â…› tsp K2SO4 3 x per week
⅛ tsp traces – 3 x per week
50% water changed weekly
(I’ve only been dosing EI for approximately 4 months and have seen much improved growth in plants).
The obvious answer is return to original light settings but are there any other options?