green spot algae

[charleslyk]

hi all,
I would like to tap on the experience of fellow members here.having some problems with this algae. The green spot algae grows more prevalently on slow-growing plants' leaves. But how do you guys actually go about trying to solve this problem?

For eg(in the interest of discussion), nana plant could be moved to shaded areas but say i want to leave it there and not change the layout. What can be done?


Current tank config as much as i can provide is

1) 30" x 18" x 18" (LWH) Approx 30G
2) twice weekly 2ml seachem flourish, with K2SO4 & FE added
3) 108 watts PL.

Lighting seems alright going by the thumb of rule of 3W per gallon. But too much lighting seems to be a cause of green spot algae. But removing 1 PL tube would render a total W of 72 which is on the low side. (The dilemma of life
[] )

Comments and experience appreciated.
Thanks

[Goondoo]

Answer in the link of this link

[joe]

If you're concerned too much light, change one of the 3x36W to 18W.
Total will then 90W, exactly at 3W/gallon [] []

[Plantbrain]

I've found that adding PO4 in the form of either a Fleet enema or KH2PO4 if you tap water does not possess PO4, will curb this alga, Colechaete obicularis.

This works if the CO2 is good, 20-30ppm for the entire lighting period, K+ levels are good in excess 20-40ppm, NO3 at 2-10ppm, enough traces added eg: 5mls 2-3x a week for an 80 liter tank.

Then you will have a PO4 limited tank, adding the PO4 will allow the plants to grow very richly.
Plants are adapted to deal with low PO4 and algae are even better, but this hurts the plant more than the algae.

Having herbivorus pickers like Amano shrimps are good also.
Basically if you focus in on the needs of the plants, the algae are not an issue.

Regards,
Tom Barr