I'm algae free and very happy.

After 6 months of intensive efforts both of my tanks can be safely declared algae free. Thanks to Tom and all who soundly advised me in achieving this aim.

The last algae to go was some BBA on the mangrove root, I cleared this with a soak in 20% bleach whilst the anubis was attached. The plant has never looked better, the wood after 3 weeks is free of algae. In the high tech 30 gallon tank that only has algae eaters and shrimp in I am having to supplement the livestocks feeding with algae flakes. I can live with that. This tank receives 3 hours of full afternoon sun without any significant algae on the glass ( I haven't scraped it for 10 days).

In the low tech Trigon 350 the vallis are putting on serious growth and sending runners all over the tank.The width of the blades of this giant vallis are over 1" and getting wider. Again this tank is showing no signs of any algae either on the plants or bogwood etc. Surprisingly the Mexican oakleaf plants are doing well despite lower lighting than I and they would prefer.

Although I don't do EI I do use elements of it but I am happy to test for water quality. I just add chemicals as I feel they are needed, plenty of traces though. I've just got some of the Seachem traces and will use these in conjunction with my current trace fertiliser mix.

I am not complacent and will remain vigilant about the algae issues. But I can say that at this point in time 'I've cracked it'. I know it's possible and more importantly I know most of the elements that got me to this point.

I am very happy. Now I need another project to take up my leasure time.

Ian

 

Re: I'm algae free and very happy.

OK Paul ................ Working on the pickies.

BTW what I do need to work on now is the design of the planting. Amano would have a seizure if he saw my efforts.

Ian

 

Re: I'm algae free and very happy.

To a great extent I agree with you. However there is some visual satisfaction in a well ordered planted tank. My only concession to this currently is that the low growing plants are at the front. I'll try to get some pictures posted to show you my ad hoc tank.

Ian

 

Re: I'm algae free and very happy.

As promised here are a couple of pictures of my 2 tanks.

The first is my old 30 gallon, the second is ny Trigon 350.

Ian

 

Re: I'm algae free and very happy.

Thanks for the kind comment. I'm not proud, just very pleased. Pride, as the saying, goes before a fall.

Ian

 

Re: I'm algae free and very happy.

I agree growing weeds is far more satisfying than algae.

I don't worry too much about the pruning. In the small tank I remove a serious amount of growth every week. The rose sword in this tank is really too big and should be removed to my larger tank as the stem length on the older leaves almost reaches the surface. However I'm reluctant to remove it as it may release some algae triggering substance from my cactus compost sub layer. By now it's going to have serious root growth.

The good point on the small tank is that the 4 leaf clover, hairgrass and to a lesser extent the glosso are spreading through the foreground substrate very nicely.

So foreground sorted I'm looking for some, preferably rooted mid tank and background plants that are not too rampant and will retain a pleasant form.

Ian

 

Re: I'm algae free and very happy.

Thanks Bill.................One day I'll get the photography right.

Ian