Algae?...nope!once the plants are established ,algae doesnt stand a chance, but that dont mean i dont encounter any algae problem. once in a while my setup do get algae.... application of medication usually would not be the answer, since the algae would keep coming back.
recently i was introduce to this anti algae medication from Ocean free....and its quite effective, one day after application the algae turned white and slowly melt away after 2 to 3 days.
but as i told u in my PM the fight against algae starts from day one u set up your tank.
keep the PH around 6.8 to 7.2. if u have enough Co2 in your tank...the PH shouldnt drop beyond 6.8. if the problem of dropping PH persist ..use a dose of KH buffer.
i made the mistake of using soft water for my plants...and the reward is a tank of algae.
the application of liquid ferts is another major contribution to algae.
in a new setup...give your new plants a chance to grow and establish themselves before u put in any liquid ferts..
the reason is ...u cant be sure which new plant will survive and which will die....if u put in a liquid ferts on the first day of planting ...u are only inviting disaster. suppose the liquid ferts are only used up by the plants that survive, what about the plants that didnt survive? wouldnt the unused ferts is an open invitation for algae to bloom?
check your lights...if u are running on 4 tubes ...let only 3 on for the first week. apply liquid ferts only after u are sure the plants had taken root...usually on the 3rd week. your plants will not die without liquid ferts. give them time to establish their roots ...then blast them with your liquid ferts.
i personally ...am not so keen on liquid ferts, unless theres red plants in my setup...i will use liquid iron ferts , otherwise i would avoid them .
if u do your homework...u will not encounter any algae problem.
one day after application of ocean free anti algae , the algae turned white. this is a test run to see how effective this product is.
my method is ...after the application of anti algae...i use UV lights to make sure the algae are cleared once and for all
this is how it is set up
care must be taken when using UV lights...a timer is a must.
