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Brown Algae New Tank

Discussion in 'Are you new to aquatic plants? Start here' started by rcalzadilla, Oct 26, 2007.

  1. rcalzadilla

    rcalzadilla Prolific Poster

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    Can I do anything to battle this brown algae (diatoms)? I have added RO water (12gl) at my last water change.
    It really looks terrible.
    New growth has slowed down considerably for most plants.

    My numbers:
    125gal/100gal net
    Ammonia -0-
    GH 89.5ppm (lowered with RO water)
    KH 71.6 (increased with baking soda)
    PH 6.6.
    Nitrate 10ppm
    Potassium, estimated 15 ppm
    Phosphate 0.5 ppm
    Plantex CSM +B, estimated 0.52ppm
    CO2 30ppm
    Photo period: Lowered yesterday to 10 hrs; trying to reduce Brown Algae (diatoms)
     
    #1 rcalzadilla, Oct 26, 2007
  2. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    Do some water changes.
    Add more CO2.
    Add a little MgSO4, say 1/2 teaspoon.
    Add some Excel.
    Wipe tank down good and clean things during the water change or before, then do a large water change. Note plant growth after, add more CO2 perhaps.

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #2 Tom Barr, Oct 26, 2007
  3. rcalzadilla

    rcalzadilla Prolific Poster

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    MGSO4 - 1/2 tsp just once or dose and observe?
    CO2 -- I am presently at 30ppm. Can I go higher with fish?
    I just got Excel.

    Also, just found and read "Diatoms and Aq. Macrophytes", which answers most of my questions.

    tks so much I need the help
     
    #3 rcalzadilla, Oct 26, 2007
  4. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    diatoms really are not an issue in tanks unless it's a new tank, where they cycle generally after 1-3 weeks, Otto cats will maul diatoms also.

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #4 Tom Barr, Oct 26, 2007
  5. rcalzadilla

    rcalzadilla Prolific Poster

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    thank you much
    raul
     
    #5 rcalzadilla, Oct 26, 2007
  6. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    Raul,

    Is the tank somewhat new or recently redone?

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #6 Tom Barr, Oct 26, 2007
  7. rcalzadilla

    rcalzadilla Prolific Poster

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    Yes the tank is new.
    Put in water on Sept 12th; added fish soon after. Nitrate Cycle ended Sept 26th.
    Put in plants on Oct. 11th. amd started fertilizing:
    Pressr.C02,
    Lights 384 watt Power Compacts
    KNO3
    KH2PO4
    K2SO4
    Plantex CSM +B
     
    #7 rcalzadilla, Oct 27, 2007
  8. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    Then do not worry about the diatoms, add a few otto cats if you cannot stand them etc, they will cycle through and never bother you again.

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #8 Tom Barr, Oct 27, 2007
  9. rcalzadilla

    rcalzadilla Prolific Poster

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    Thank you very much Tom.
     
    #9 rcalzadilla, Oct 27, 2007
  10. rcalzadilla

    rcalzadilla Prolific Poster

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    Hi Tom:
    I have killed some of my fish by dosing double the initial Excel amount. You suggested I use "some" Excel. Obviously my idea of some is different than yours.:D
    I also added MGSO4 1/2 tsp as suggested for the Diatom problem.
    My drug store acquired MGSO4 also contains 7H20.

    I suspect that the death was caused by the Excel overdose. Do you agree?

    The surviving fish were all gasping for air at the top. Two quick succession water changes (30% x 2 times) allowed the rest to live.

    I still have the diatom problem. Have added 12 otos and one albino L48 bristle nose (juvenile) pleco.

    Have also filtered the entire 100 gal twice (yes twice) with the air of a Python gravel cleaners: cleaned the substrate and dusted all the plants.

    Ignorance does not always begets bliss!
     
    #10 rcalzadilla, Oct 31, 2007
  11. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    If you use more than the label rate, then there might be a reason for that labeled rate:)

    I do not tell folks to use more than that.
    Why?
    Because it's not needed.

    A little patience does wonders however...........

    I'd focus on growing plants, less on killing algae if I where you.

    Diatoms are not a big issue over all, and focusing on good plant health is wiser.
    I think if the plants are growing well etc. then the algae are not as bad.

    Trying to kill algae is hardly worth killing a fish over.
    So never place the fish in harms way when going after algae.

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #11 Tom Barr, Oct 31, 2007
  12. rlillynj

    rlillynj Junior Poster

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    i've been through this same situation twice now with planted tanks. in fact i'm going through it right now on my 10 gallon. my 55 gallon cleared up not too long after its initial cycle and after adding a substantial amount of new healthy plants. i only now deal with very small almost unnoticable amounts of algae in the larger tank. its my believe that the initial spike of ammonia and nitrites then the cycle and spike of nitrates is what causes this outbreak. of course i'm just a newbie but that seems to be an accurate observation. i'd almost have to say its a normal occurence. just keep the tank clean and change the water regularly. i believe as tom said, once the plants take hold then that dirty brown algae will start to go away.
     
    #12 rlillynj, Nov 1, 2007
  13. rcalzadilla

    rcalzadilla Prolific Poster

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    Fish short of oxygen?

    This morning my fish behave as if they were short of oxygen.
    This is similar behavior as when recently lost some fish and blamed overdose of Excel.

    Yesterday pm changed 50% water since water was cloudy and greenish.
    Have not dosed Excel
    Dosed Plantex CSM+B (before water change)
    Dosed dechlorinator
    CO2 injector is turned off at night automatically

    Readings (no changes here for over a week):
    PH 6.6
    KH 53.7
    CO2 23
    Ammonia 0

    Have raised the height of spray bars to oxygenate a little and fish seem to be responding favorably.
     
    #13 rcalzadilla, Nov 3, 2007
  14. rcalzadilla

    rcalzadilla Prolific Poster

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    Well, its 4PM and all the fish are normal. Maybe that was just night behavior.

    I am glad to report that my Diatom problem has significantly improved through filtering the tank water twice this week. Also, one 50% water change yesterday and, of course, the passage of time.

    I have locally found 11 (eleven) otocincluses and one juvenile Albino Pleco L 48. They have been going crazy eating diatoms to the point that their stomachs are bulging.
    Previously obtained Neon Corydoras (6) seem to be eating it too, though much less.
    The tank, though a little cloudy, is starting to look great!

    tks for all the help and patience.
     
    #14 rcalzadilla, Nov 3, 2007
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