GDA & GSA

[rrkss]

Well since I implemented Tom's plan of steady CO2 and EI, my BBA problem has literaly melted away. I am now left with some green spot algae and green dust algae growth. Black beard algae has not only stopped growing but is dying and being consumed by my Rosy Barbs (I actually see them pick away at the red BBA). I would not consider this a problem but more of a nuisance since I now have some slow growing Green Spot Algae and slow growing Green Dust Algae appearing on the glass. I don't notice any Green Spot Algae on the plants at the moment. My pH tests at 6.4 or 6.3 depending on when during the day I take the tests. This pH test has been going steady since I implemented the Venturi Diffuser. I test pH currently 3x a day and always get those numbers. My kH is 4 and my degassed pH is 7.4. Is this a nutrient problem or is CO2 still the blame?

I do dose 1/4 Teaspoon of KNO3 2x a week and 1/16 Teaspoon of KH2PO4 2x a week. 5 mL of Flourish every 2 days and 1 mL of Flourish Iron Daily. Tank Size is 29 gallons.

 

[VaughnH]

Re: GDA & GSA

Assuming you have more than 60 watts or so of light, I suggest you dose per that schedule, but three times a week instead of two times. Your CO2 should be ok based on the two PH readings.

Green dust algae is a persistent @#%$&@**. Apparently the only way to get rid of it is to sit back and just endure it for 2 1/2 weeks or so, no scraping, no wiping. Just let it live out its life cycle. At the end of that period of wondering if anything is still alive behind the green curtain, you should see the algae thin out a bit, and if you then scrape if off, it should never return in your lifetime!! Of course, I'm assuming you keep the tank going for the rest of your life.

I'm at the end of that cycle on my 29 gallon tank now, and the algae is getting thinner every day, so I can now barely see plants in there. I plan to scrape it off either tomorrow on the next day.

 

[rrkss]

Re: GDA & GSA

I run exactly 60 watts of light over the tank does that mean I should up macro dosages to 3x a week? Your post says more than 60 watts though I don't think upping the dosages could do any harm.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: GDA & GSA

For thr GSA, simply make sure you have enough CO2 and add more PO4, like 3x a week, at least that much, maybe a tad more.

You'll have to endure that till the GDA goes away unless it's a mild case.
Mild cases can be blacked out after a good cleaning.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[rrkss]

Re: GDA & GSA

I guess no scrubbing for the next 2 weeks followed by a heavy scrubdown and a waterchange. I'll increase macro dosing to every second day on alternate days from micro dosing.