Dusty plants underneath filter outlet

[moomoo28]

Sorry, i wanted to ask some noob questions. Currently I'm using a hang on filter but i find that all my plants that is directly my filter outlet is extremely dusty and often filled with hair algae while the the rest are ok, i have shift the plants elsewhere and leave that area empty.

Just want to find out is it normal for a hang on filter to have this problem, anyone experiencing this problem also? Kindly advise, thanks anyway, my substrate is ada aquasoil.

Also I would like to find out if HG turning dark green is it a sign of light deficiency or nutrient deficiency? Because more and more of my HG are turning into dark green color while the new runners are bright green, or is it just a part of their growing process. Hope someone can help me out, thanks alot

a attach view of my tank now

[moomoo28]

I think i know the reason for the dusty situation, my ada soil seem to be disintergrating very fast, my tank had been set up for a year, can see a huge patch of dust particle at the back behind my DW. Also suspect that its the SAE that is stiring up the soil..

The situation is getting worser, should i replace my filter or just replace the whole substrate?

[moomoo28]

I think i know the reason behind my dusty plants near the filter outlet, my ADA soil is disintergrating very fast, it had been a year since i set up the tank. i only notice when i see a lot of soil residue in dust form behind my DW when i do a WC today. But the situation is getting worser, it had spread over to my HG and foreground plants, wash my hangon filter every 3-4 days but problem is still there.Also suspect that its my 2 SAE that is stiring up the soil.

Should i upgrade my filter or just change the substrate?

[moomoo28]

sorry for the double post!

[Verminator]

A common problem with some ADA soils is they break down after up to three months. So in the long term, replacing it may be none negotiable. Perhaps remove the SAE and add in some Otto's. Far less lively and won't stir up the substrate, but will eat algae.

In short, substrate is pooped

EDIT: Perhaps in the open substrate you could add in some more plants perhaps? Perhaps harvest some of your lawn and place at the back. I know you won't see it maybe, but it'll cover the ground and maybe keep your substrate down and thus not dust the tank. Same principle applies in the Amazon rainforest. The trees there prevent the heavy rainfall from removing the soil; thus keeping the wildlife and plants there. Hope this makes sense, it could be worth implementing?

[leechaorui]

My experience of moss turning dark green is a negative sign. For my case, after dark green, they became blackish green and then brown. Some expert bros here may have some good advice for you and me.

[Joseph*]

Perhaps in the open substrate you could add in some more plants perhaps? Perhaps harvest some of your lawn and place at the back. I know you won't see it maybe, but it'll cover the ground and maybe keep your substrate down and thus not dust the tank. Same principle applies in the Amazon rainforest. The trees there prevent the heavy rainfall from removing the soil; thus keeping the wildlife and plants there. Hope this makes sense, it could be worth implementing?

I would agree with Vermin on this solution. its like grass preventing soil erosion on slopes.

And for the hair algae problem, I read before that some people experience extensive algae growth in areas where there is more air circulation ie with powerhead. so I think for your case, the outlet of the HOB filter is causing the growth of algae. you might want to reduce splashing by increasing the water level to the point where splashing is minimum.

[moomoo28]

A common problem with some ADA soils is they break down after up to three months. So in the long term, replacing it may be none negotiable. Perhaps remove the SAE and add in some Otto's. Far less lively and won't stir up the substrate, but will eat algae.

In short, substrate is pooped

EDIT: Perhaps in the open substrate you could add in some more plants perhaps? Perhaps harvest some of your lawn and place at the back. I know you won't see it maybe, but it'll cover the ground and maybe keep your substrate down and thus not dust the tank. Same principle applies in the Amazon rainforest. The trees there prevent the heavy rainfall from removing the soil; thus keeping the wildlife and plants there. Hope this makes sense, it could be worth implementing?

icic, thanks.. failed miserably with HC as foreground, so now putting more hope for my HG to spread throughout the foreground. Will try to cover up all the open substrate. Hopefully it can work, if not i dun really like the idea of changing the substrate, have to shift all my faunas to another tank and uproot all the plants and replant again

I would agree with Vermin on this solution. its like grass preventing soil erosion on slopes.

And for the hair algae problem, I read before that some people experience extensive algae growth in areas where there is more air circulation ie with powerhead. so I think for your case, the outlet of the HOB filter is causing the growth of algae. you might want to reduce splashing by increasing the water level to the point where splashing is minimum.

oh ya, i purposely let the water splash from a height because i'm afraid there is not enough air intake for my fishes. When i fill the tank water to close to the filter outlet, i find them quite coming up like gasping for air make me quite worried, but the algae thing driving me crazy, maybe i will try filling up the water higher and observe see how is goes thanks

My experience of moss turning dark green is a negative sign. For my case, after dark green, they became blackish green and then brown. Some expert bros here may have some good advice for you and me.

I see. My moss is ok, multiplying very fast, think main thing is the temp. The problem is my hairgrass, the dark green color doesn't seem very much of a problem just that because i don'y have much experience with it. I'm not sure whether is it healthy or not.

[luncheonMeat]

I think i know the reason for the dusty situation, my ada soil seem to be disintergrating very fast, my tank had been set up for a year, can see a huge patch of dust particle at the back behind my DW. Also suspect that its the SAE that is stiring up the soil..

The situation is getting worser, should i replace my filter or just replace the whole substrate?

Replacing the substrate sounds like a too big job! unless you are ready to do a whole rescape or start the tank again. I think ought to have some sort of dust particles from broken down soil. Even my 12 day old tank has this problem at the far right end where my filter suction intake is. the soil there at the bottom is extremly dusty. I was thinking it may be due to the suction bring all the dust to that corner or maybe it is the melting of my plants at that corner. in anycase i left them alone because its not visible from the front and as long as it doesn't cloud my water.

My SAE not stirring soil so maybe you are not so right about the SAE.

A
EDIT: Perhaps in the open substrate you could add in some more plants perhaps? Perhaps harvest some of your lawn and place at the back. I know you won't see it maybe, but it'll cover the ground and maybe keep your substrate down and thus not dust the tank. Same principle applies in the Amazon rainforest. The trees there prevent the heavy rainfall from removing the soil; thus keeping the wildlife and plants there. Hope this makes sense, it could be worth implementing?

Definitely worth a shot!

I'm still new in this hobby and also learning. Just my 2 cents. hope you solve your problems.