Algae Growth in a Stabilised Tank

[kermit13sg]

Hi

My tank has been running for about 6 months now and all is doing well. MC carpeted and all.

What are some reasons that I am encountering a sudden algae bloom?

I use ADA Amazonia soil, CO2 1BPS, lights on 2pm-7pm then 8pm-1am. Using EI dosing method.

First thing I have done now is drop my light exposure to 5pm-11pm.

[mUAr_cHEe]

What kind of algae? Maybe one of the parameters spiked? Have you done any water test?

[kermit13sg]

hair algae.. nope, have not done water test. What parameter do you think has spiked?

[mUAr_cHEe]

You might have the same problem as me. Phosphate. Sorry but this is just guessing.

I am still trying to figure out my own problem. Regular water changes and an algae clean up crew seem to help alot.


No new additions recently, i presume?

[kermit13sg]

ah, Phospate... Actually I have been diligently doing 50% wc each week.. and my algae crew damn idle already. 5 ghost shrimps, 2 otos, and one SAE...all can't cope.

[Urban Aquaria]

ah, Phospate... Actually I have been diligently doing 50% wc each week.. and my algae crew damn idle already. 5 ghost shrimps, 2 otos, and one SAE...all can't cope.

The only livestock which would have an effect on hair algae are the shrimps... though just 5 of them probably wouldn't have much effect (especially if they have easier access to tasty leftover fish food instead). Try adding in alot more shrimps, or shrimps that are better at eating algae (ie. yamato/amano shrimps).

In addition, if you have been following the same EI dosing regimen for the past 6 months and have not adjust the dosage to match your plant density or growth rate, then it could be time to do so... EI method isn't a fixed system and even with 50% weekly water change, certain nutrients may still have accumulated in excess over time.

[kermit13sg]

So should I reduce the dosing? How about my light exposure timing? You think that's a good start?


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[Urban Aquaria]

So should I reduce the dosing? How about my light exposure timing? You think that's a good start?

I guess you'll just have to experiment with those light and fertilizer factors, see how the plants and algae react to it over time. Any changes you do should be gradual and in small steps, try not to make drastic changes as that can affect the existing plant growth.

Your light photoperiod itself looks alright at a combined 10 hours in total (since you have Co2 injection to support the plant growth), just that its on mainly in the afternoon and evenings... i'm not sure what the ambient light conditions are like in the room, but if the tank also gets some sunlight from a nearby window in the morning and early afternoon, then that may result in a more prolonged exposure to light during the day (you'll have to shade the room to reduce the effect).

[kermit13sg]

Ok I try to reduce a bit of everything... Will update


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[mUAr_cHEe]

Stalking. I mean camping here.

[Sleepy_lancs]

After 6 months, your tank has started to mature but doesnt mean you dont have check your dosing. Depending on your plant needs, some nutrients will get used up as the plants grow, you will have adjust a little. Also check your lights. If you are using fl lights then its time to replace them since they lose their effectiveness. Since we do not know which algae its hard to tell which is the link with the issue. More info will be helpful

[happydanio123]

You can use Seachem flourish Excel as an algae removing agent but remember to follow the recommended dosage as it can be lethal if overdosed. Anyway, less is better than more!