"Greg G." wrote in message
...


I agree with Ron, CO2 is very critical. DIY CO2 folks often report the
lion's share of the algae problems.

I just don't know what to do anymore.
I am sick of pulling 3 cups of thread/beard algae a week from my tank.
Does anyone have a clue as to what I can do to solve this problem?

Sure, grow the plants well.

Tap water is fine assuming this GH/KH are the same.

Added fertilizers (SeaChem Flourish), stopped adding ferts, etc.

Do you think reduced nutrients and poor CO2 will help your plants to
grow not?

I've done repeated weekly 50% water changes.

This is good. More on this later.

The only additions I have made to the past few water changes has been
epsom salts, baking soda, and calcium carbonate to harden the water.
Nothing I do even slows the proliferation.

Well small algae have less requirements for nutrtients than plants,
most algae can use the bicarbonate, the KH(HCO3) in your water for a
crabon source. The levels of HCO3 needed for good growth are very
small as well.

You are noit going to beat algae by limitation and also keep plants.
It does not work.

When I lived in Florida, I kept reefs tanks. When I began using R.O.
water, my problems with algae disappeared. Could it be nasty tap
water causing this?

No.

I started this planted tank because I thought it would be simpler than
a reef tank. HA! That has NOT been my experience...

It's different. I think SW tends to easier but it cost more. Reef's
are critter based, this plant based.

Any Ideas?

Keep doing the 50% weekly water changes.
Trim/prune off all the algae.
Add enough CO2!!!!
Get a gas tank for this sized tank. Lock your KH in around 4 and add
enough CO2 gas to KEEP your CO2 ALL DAY LONG at 6.6. Check in the AM
and the PM. Make sure you have 20-30ppm at all times when the lights
are on.
Good substrate helps.
You have ther herbivores.

Once you do this, right after a big pruning and water change, add the
following:
1/2 teaspoon K2SO4
1/2 teaspoon KNO3
1/16-1/8 teaspoon KH2PO4
15mls of Flourish

Add 4 days later:
1/2 teaspoon KNO3
1/16th KH2PO4
15mls Flourish

7th day:
Water change pruning etc.

Once your tank gets goign well, you can add another dose similar to
the 4 day dose. So the water change dose, plus 2 more doses till the
next water change.

This will allow you to have a good range of nutrient concentrations
since you are dosing regularly but no excess since you do weekly 50%
water changes.

Main thing is CO2 and checking for that.
You do the above routine and your plants will improve their growth.

When the plants are not growing, the algae will.
So grow the plants well.

Regards,
Tom Barr



Greg