Any tips on going from co2 -> non co2?

Carissa

Guru Class Expert
Jun 8, 2007
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I decided that I need to reduce my workload, so one thing I'm going to do is change over my 30g from co2 to non-co2. I just let the diy run out gradually, thus far I'm seeing a lot of gsa on some leaves and bba cropping up in places where it was already. I removed my reflectors in an attempt to reduce light, and it's working well, I could see an immediate difference in the light level, but it's not enough to stop algae. Other than fertilizing and doing water changes, is there anything else I can do to keep up with the algae? Should I bleach dip everything? The lighting is 60 watts of T8's with no reflectors. Plants are java ferns, hygrophila polysperma, crypts, anubias.
 

Henry Hatch

Guru Class Expert
Aug 31, 2006
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You might try excel for a period of time. I switched from a co2 tank to an excel tank with little algae. I would imagine the algae is adapting to the low co2 more quickly than the plants. I think the excel will help suppress algae and it may provide a transition process while your plants adapt.

Henry
 

Carissa

Guru Class Expert
Jun 8, 2007
678
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Can't really afford to order it right now....high shipping costs... I did take out all the plants that had any algae on them and bleach dipped them, and removed ALL of my hygrophila which I know will just start dying anyway, and added some from a non-co2 tank. I might look into Excel later on though.
 

Carissa

Guru Class Expert
Jun 8, 2007
678
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16
Just wanted to post that it's going extremely well. I think it's mainly because I removed ALL of my hygrophila polysperma, leaving only slow growing plants, reduced lighting, and then added some hygro from a non-co2 tank which is doing fine and I put it directly under the brightest light to make it grow. I have no algae problems at all to speak of right now. But still, I have Excel on the way now. :)