How do I avoid algae in a tank ?
Hello,
I am in the process of researching for a new tank (Malawi cichlids) and
want to get it right from the start. One thing that bothers me is algae.
I have a well-planted tropical tank which does not have too much
trouble, but that's mainly 'cos I fertilise it and inject CO2. This new
tank won't have any of that, but I still want to make sure I don't get
the old green plague.
Tank parameters :-
*) 220 litre, 24" cube tank
*) water will probably be around pH8 and hard (basically I have soft
neutral water out of the tap, but am going to use a crushed coral
substrate)
*) Lighting unknown as yet, but will not be huge. Most cichlid tanks
seem to have a blue light and a white light. I assume the white is a
normal tube, but no idea yet what the blue one is, nor if it contributes
to the light for plants/algae. Due to the shape of the tank, lighting
will probably be two 18" or 24" tubes.
*) A few tough plants, such as Java Fern, Anubias, etc. Basically
limited to the ones that Tropica's site said are safe for veggie fish.
*) Water changes will be 10% twice per week.
Any tips for how to keep such a tank algae free ? I'm particularly
bothered about the plants as Tropica's site mentioned that Anubias (in
particular) are slow growing and so more likely to get algae as the
leaves hang around for longer. I know the last time I kept one I had
very great difficulty keeping the leaves clean.
Thanx for any help
--
Alan Silver
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