On 2005-01-20, Pete wrote:

I've had an algae problem in my 90gal with a similar setup. It's not a
Phophate problem, you can try and limit phophates but you'll notice all
your plant growth slow down which means less competition for the algae
(been there, done that).
Algae loves crap.. yeah the stuff from the fish. NH4, urea etc. That heavy
fishload will be causing the same problems as mine are (big fishload also).

I'd recommend doing what you already did for plant cleanup (a dip in
chlorine, H2O2 etc) to get them free and a head start, but I would also do
a large water change with a massive gravel vacuum. When I pulled up all my
plants for a cleaning I did the water change at the same time and vacuumed
all the gravel hard and deep until it was clear. So no more crap rotting
and that about fixed it in one shot... it's in my books now as a bi-yearly
(?) thing as long as I keep my present fishload.


Well, now you're arguing a causality problem. I can't give a scientific
explaination, but I'd have to guess the phosphates are feeding the
algae. The algae is growing so fast that it's also taking up the
nitrates (produced by the decaying stuff) as well. My guess would
be by backing down on the phosphates, it slows the growth of the algae,
and gives the plants a chance to fight for the nitrates.

--
"I have to decide between two equally frightening options.
If I wanted to do that, I'd vote." --Duckman