I debated posting this for quite some time but then figured if it helps even one potential aquarist not quit due to algae frustration it's worth it.
Ok here goes, I have started using an algecide and it has transformed my tank from mostly frustration to a beautiful attraction.
I have a 180 gallon freshwater planted aquarium built into the livingroom wall and have read the posts here for over a year trying to get the balance right to both have aggressive plant growth and minimal algae. Trying different methods of lighting, CO2, fertilizing etc. led to different levels of success but never quite to the point where I didn't have to get in the tank every 2-3 days to deal with either BBA, GDA or string algae. These different algae types rarely appeared at the same time suggesting that my system modifications were having an effect but just not the one I wanted e.g. slow enough algae growth that I could clean the glass once a week.
What led to this? I built a pond this spring and was using natural algae prevention methods like barley straw. I started getting significant string algae and a friend who owns a planted pond told me to try an algacide. I hesitantly put in the recommended dosage, and within a day the string algae was dead. In a few days it was completely gone and the pond was beautiful. After a few weeks of success I got on line and found that the product was "safe" for freshwater planted aquariums. So after my weekend aquarium cleaning I dosed in the recommended amount of algecide into the tank. The following week GDA did not develop after the usual few days and the string algae in the overflows was dead and dying. I no longer get string algae in my HC or pearlgrass, GDA cleanings are once a week and my Myrophylum is 16 inches tall with no algae all the way down to the base, just beautiful bright green all the way down.
I realize that I did not solve the root of the problem and I do believe that it is possible to solve the algae issue (mostly) without algacides, but after over a year of trying different things, I just hadn't quite gotten there.
I dose 20 ml per week of algacide, 10ml after my EI water change and another 10 about mid week with my trace dosing. This regimen along with EI has worked very well for me. I use an overflow system with a 20 gallon open sump, injected CO2 with a drop checker, 320 watts of T5 HO lighting for 10 hours, ECO complete, no carbon and a mix of RO and well water since my well water is very hard.
Bottom line, I'm just sharing what worked for me. I purposely did not share the brand name because I'm not selling anything except my experience. This is the best site out there for us freshwater aquarists and Tom and the plant guru team are my heros, one day my tank will require nothing but fertilizer and care to prevent algae.
Ok here goes, I have started using an algecide and it has transformed my tank from mostly frustration to a beautiful attraction.
I have a 180 gallon freshwater planted aquarium built into the livingroom wall and have read the posts here for over a year trying to get the balance right to both have aggressive plant growth and minimal algae. Trying different methods of lighting, CO2, fertilizing etc. led to different levels of success but never quite to the point where I didn't have to get in the tank every 2-3 days to deal with either BBA, GDA or string algae. These different algae types rarely appeared at the same time suggesting that my system modifications were having an effect but just not the one I wanted e.g. slow enough algae growth that I could clean the glass once a week.
What led to this? I built a pond this spring and was using natural algae prevention methods like barley straw. I started getting significant string algae and a friend who owns a planted pond told me to try an algacide. I hesitantly put in the recommended dosage, and within a day the string algae was dead. In a few days it was completely gone and the pond was beautiful. After a few weeks of success I got on line and found that the product was "safe" for freshwater planted aquariums. So after my weekend aquarium cleaning I dosed in the recommended amount of algecide into the tank. The following week GDA did not develop after the usual few days and the string algae in the overflows was dead and dying. I no longer get string algae in my HC or pearlgrass, GDA cleanings are once a week and my Myrophylum is 16 inches tall with no algae all the way down to the base, just beautiful bright green all the way down.
I realize that I did not solve the root of the problem and I do believe that it is possible to solve the algae issue (mostly) without algacides, but after over a year of trying different things, I just hadn't quite gotten there.
I dose 20 ml per week of algacide, 10ml after my EI water change and another 10 about mid week with my trace dosing. This regimen along with EI has worked very well for me. I use an overflow system with a 20 gallon open sump, injected CO2 with a drop checker, 320 watts of T5 HO lighting for 10 hours, ECO complete, no carbon and a mix of RO and well water since my well water is very hard.
Bottom line, I'm just sharing what worked for me. I purposely did not share the brand name because I'm not selling anything except my experience. This is the best site out there for us freshwater aquarists and Tom and the plant guru team are my heros, one day my tank will require nothing but fertilizer and care to prevent algae.