Logic316 wrote:
Pedro wrote:

Will the amount of plants determine the amount I have to use of the
fertilizers, etc? My theory on the algae thins is that I do not have
many plants and the algae is beating the plants for nutrients, etc.
Does this makes sense?


According to the brand I use (KENT), it say 1-3 doses a week, depending
on how heavily the tank is planted. It doesn't get any more specific
than that. But as far as I know, fertilizer specifically formulated for
aquarium plants shouldn't promote algae growth. Unlike ordinary garden
fertilizer (like Miracle Gro), it doesn't contain phosphates which algae
like to feed on. Some people, in an effort to save money, do like to use
Miracle Gro to fertilize their water plants. But as well as containing
algae-promoting phosphates, it also has ammonia in it which is bad for
fish.

You could try and stop using fertilizer for a month or two and see if
has any effect. As long as you provide sufficient lighting, I don't
think your plants will suffer.

- Logic316

Try reading Tom Barr's Estimative Index fertilizing method at
http://www.barrreport.com. You have to register for free to read it,
and it's well worthwhile. Use EI dosing for a "low uptake" tank and
you'll be fine.

I also believe that Tom has demonstrated reasonably well that phosphate
does not cause algae. I haven't hunted down all the publications yet in
his EI article, but the real culprit appears to be ammonia. Tanks with
lots of rapidly-growing plants outcompete algae for any ammonia that the
filter doesn't immediately convert to nitrate.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com