green water

[prof]

Will I solve my green water problem if I use the UV Sterilizer because I did read at some website that this will work.So any comments?

[zysfer]

It will work to some extent. Look for the root problem. Green water, Daitom are often new tank setup syndrome. Ammonia, high light, poor filtration all constitute to it. Clean the filter, don't destroy the good BB. Increase water changes, remember to replace fertilzer after that.

[barmby]

I never had green water because I use UV. It really helps.

[godprint]

yeap, a simple uv sterilizer worked for me.

[prof]

so is there anyone out there selling cheap 2nd hand UV sterilizer?

[zenscape]

Plant more and keep your light, fert and co2 in check is the only long term plan.

If you really need to have a UV, not that it is really essential, go get a new one. It is not expensive. If you get a 2nd hand, you do not know how long it has been in used. Same as light bulb, UV bulb loses its effectiveness after a year or so.

[prof]

Thanks for the advice zenscape...hmm I think you are right. The more plants I add, the lesser the nitrate level..right?

[Goondoo]

Thanks for the advice zenscape...hmm I think you are right. The more plants I add, the lesser the nitrate level..right?

Excess Nitrate is not really the cause of Green Water...
Put a enclose tank under the sun for a week or so.... go figure the cause.

[zenscape]

Thanks for the advice zenscape...hmm I think you are right. The more plants I add, the lesser the nitrate level..right?

It is a balancing act for all elements, including plant mass, critters mass, light intensity, co2, fertiliser and a good filter. The more plants in your tank, the more uptake of nutrient including ammonia. Good photosynthesis needs good light. But too high an intensity, your tank will be in trouble. Plants also need fertiliser for growth. If they are stunted, no uptake of nutrient and algae will take over.

Nutshell equations are as follows:-

(1)In a Low light tank, you can go slow in light intensity, even no co2, fert moderate to none, water change lesser, not too high bioload and plants grow slow... (still put in good plant mass with good filter)

(2) In a high light tank, the overall energy is higher and all elements are on the high side to counter balance each other- high intensity light, good plant mass, Co2 target at 30ppm, NPK dosage following estimative index if possible, trace to manufacturers' recommendation or more, WC once or twice a week, good filter and still lesser critters bio mass..Plants growth rate is faster.

This hobby is about experimenting. Very soon, you will have your own set of formulae

[prof]

ok ok....CHECKED!