NeilW
Member
As you may, or may not know I have recently filled my nano tank;
http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=10577&start=150
I have been having issues with a slight dusting of BGA and a small amount of surface scum. No biggy, but I wanted to sort both of these problems so I can back on track to my original intention of going low-tech. I have been forced into a cycle of water changes every other day and dosing both EasyCarbo and TPN+ which obviously I don't want to be doing in the long run.
I have read up on both the surface scum and BGA in the following most helpful threads with sage advice from Clive;
http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=10762
http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=2389&start=10
Both flow and nutrient deficiency seem the common denominators in both of these problems. Although the large rock in my tank is a big obstruction the flow is still good due to the oversized external filter BUT there is little surface movement due to the Do!Aqua violet lily pipe which directs the water flow down instead of at the surface. In traditional low-tech tanks however it is recommended to have lower flow so I think I may be picking on the wrong cause.
On to my question: Would reducing my lighting power help to solve my problems?
As we know light is the driving force in a tank and by reducing this would create less of a demand on both CO2 and nutrients. Lower light would hopefully mean the plants would be satisfied by their nutrient intake and stop the 'bleeding' which has resulted in the surface scum. It would also leave more nitrates available to help solve the BGA problem. If the BGA continued then I would still have the option of doing a blackout.
Sound a plan?
Is my dodgy reasoning the way forward?
http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=10577&start=150
I have been having issues with a slight dusting of BGA and a small amount of surface scum. No biggy, but I wanted to sort both of these problems so I can back on track to my original intention of going low-tech. I have been forced into a cycle of water changes every other day and dosing both EasyCarbo and TPN+ which obviously I don't want to be doing in the long run.
I have read up on both the surface scum and BGA in the following most helpful threads with sage advice from Clive;
http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=10762
http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=2389&start=10
Both flow and nutrient deficiency seem the common denominators in both of these problems. Although the large rock in my tank is a big obstruction the flow is still good due to the oversized external filter BUT there is little surface movement due to the Do!Aqua violet lily pipe which directs the water flow down instead of at the surface. In traditional low-tech tanks however it is recommended to have lower flow so I think I may be picking on the wrong cause.
On to my question: Would reducing my lighting power help to solve my problems?
As we know light is the driving force in a tank and by reducing this would create less of a demand on both CO2 and nutrients. Lower light would hopefully mean the plants would be satisfied by their nutrient intake and stop the 'bleeding' which has resulted in the surface scum. It would also leave more nitrates available to help solve the BGA problem. If the BGA continued then I would still have the option of doing a blackout.
Sound a plan?
Is my dodgy reasoning the way forward?
