PO4 and algae

[MdmBudak]

Hello,

I was told that adding a pinch of PO4 into the tank helps to prevent spot alage on the glass? Is this true?

Just wondering, how many of you here add PO4 during water change? How much do you add?

[sherchoo]

I do add a pinch of KH2PO4 during water change but not as an algae preventor but for better plant growth. As mentioned many times in the previous postings plants need the basic NPK. More information in found in the FAQ.

[MdmBudak]

Thanks for the reply.

Just a tiny pinch for a 3ft tank will do? If I add too much, I will cause an algae bloom?

[sherchoo]

Too much of a certain element will most of the time causes algae. A pinch will do fine a little more shouldn't be a worry. If you're really hesitant, you can use Chuck Gadd's dosage calculators and mix yourself a more precise fert mixture.

[PeterGwee]

It needs a balance of light, CO2 and nutrients to keep algae at bay. Dosing just PO4 without keeping good ranges for CO2, N, K and traces would not cure your problem. You would need to look at it as a whole picture. Oh, excess PO4 does not cause algae...it is always a lack of something that does.