Replanting

[orb]

Hi all,
I planning to redo my 4ft tank (after 1yr) due to the amount of algae (BBA, BGA etc...)is getting me mad.....
I've failed by all measures to get rid of these algae.

I need some pointers form the experts here on serveral things:
1) I'm planning to give all the sand/gravel a thorough clean (using bleach), problem is can they be use back? As the substrate are being mix with the sand should I put them together.

2) What other form of cleaning should be done on the tank and gravel before I do the replant?

3) What other thing should I look out for?

I'm currently keeping Discus and Tetras in it.

Appreciate any kind input.

Cheers!

[PeterGwee]

My personal opinion is don't redo the whole setup. The problems you are having steps from too much light with poor CO2 levels and nutrient fertilization. You are not going to get away with it simply by doing a whole new setup. Its going to come back if you do not fix the initial cause of it. Maybe you can give us more info on your setup by using the template. Do give as much info as you can.

Beginners Info Sheet
--------------------

Tank Dimensions (LxWxH):
Tank Volume (litres or gallons):
Lighting Intensity(No of Watts) :
Type of Lighting (FL/PL/MH) :
No. of Hours your light is on :
CO2 Injection Rate (bps) :
Type of CO2 (DIY/Liquid/Tank) :
Method of Injection (e.g. Diffusor/Reactor):
Substrate Used :
How Thick is your base fert :
How thick is your gravel :
Liquid Fertilizers Used :
Frequency of fertilization :
Tank Temperature :
Type of Filter (overhead/internal/canister) :
Filter media used :
How long has your tank been set up :
Other equipment :

Chemical Properties (Fill what you can)
---------------------------------------
Carbonate Hardness (KH):
Total Hardness (gH):
pH :
NH4 (ppm):
NO2 (ppm):
NO3 (ppm):
PO4 (ppm):
Fe (ppm):

Bioload (Your Fish and Plants)
------------------------------

<State what fishes and plants you have to the best of your ability>


Describe your problem :

<problem description. If you have picture which could help then please post them>

[eric_kclee]

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On 11/5/2003 1:14:57 PM

You are not going to get away with it simply by doing a whole new setup. Its going to come back if you do not fix the initial cause of it.

----------------

Agree with Peter, please listen to him...
We should try to solve the root cause. If you don't fix the problem, and you just restart the whole thing...I bet you're going to get the same result again.

The reason is very simple, you are going use the same 'formula' and you will get the same result.

Fix the cause and it should never come back again.

[orb]

Thanks guys, I'll fill it up and seek your help......man algae is making me crazy.

Cheers!

[williamng]

How are we going to measure the following? Like that must have how many test kit?

NH4 (ppm):
NO2 (ppm):
NO3 (ppm):
PO4 (ppm):
Fe (ppm):

[PeterGwee]

The more useful kit for a planted tank is the NO3 kit but there is a way to get around testing for things except for the CO2. It requires you to do large weekly water changes though...

[Sleepy_lancs]

Hi,

You would need at least NH4, N03, P04 and PH tester

[sherchoo]

Since your tank is a year old, you can do away with the NH4 tester. pH, kH, NO3 and PO4 would be most useful. pH and kH would give you some idea how much CO2 you injecting while NO3 and PO4 would be able to know your NPK levels. I think nutrient would be your problems to your algae problems.... so I too support Peter's suggestion.