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Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading in Planted tank

Discussion in 'Aquatic Plants & Planted Tanks' started by MOD_Dawn, Mar 6, 2009.

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  1. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Thread Starter Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Thanks for the additional info.
    I was always told (including in test kit) that phosphates should be 0 at all times.
    Reason I was asking for more information. I'm sure you know how difficult it can be with the plants and deciding what to add and what not to (I feel like a freakin chemist!) Lol!
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 14, 2009
    #101
  2. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    I have also read that Phosphates are bad. Well not bad, but they are a Macronutrient I believe and that Algae can out compete the higher level plants when Phosphates are present.

    I used to use PH 6.5 that contained Phosphates and quit using it because of algae blooms that I could not control. After switching to peat I have not had quite the same algae blooms. (I used to get a WHOLE lot of blue/green algae... now its beard algae I have been fighting)
     
    LemonDiscus, Mar 15, 2009
    #102
  3. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: What's New in Your Tank Today?

    Np at all. Phophate is one of the key nutrients that plants need in order to thrive and survive (I love rhyming...maybe should be a rapper....NOT ;) ). This is something that I have learned pretty quickly when I made the swap over to dry ferts. Sure they can grow without it but will not be as healthy. As you know healthy plants are what helps out compete algae for nutrients. When the plants aren't provided the proper nurishment they need, they get weak. This enables the algae to come in the front door and say "honey....I'm home!".

    We don't like uninvited guests in our tanks. So our goal is to provide an environment where we promote plant growth not algae growth. The key to algae control is balance. Finding the right balance between lighting (type of light and photo periods) and nutrients (which includes carbon and phosphates). Photo periods of 10-12 hrs/day, ferts such as Macros, Iron, Phosphates and Carbon. Let's not forget the water changes. These are equally important. They help prevent the build up of excess nutrients in the water (I.e. Nitrates and Phosphates).

    The only algae I battle currently <knocks on simulated wood> are the dreaded diatoms and the occassional green spot. When I let my phosphate level slip, that is when I notice the little spots. I do have to be more diligent myself on the phosphate testing. I think I finally hit the right balance for the dosing. No reoccurances of it for a few weeks now.

    I haven't figured out the secret to success on diatoms. Everyone says they are common with new tanks and eventually go away. I agree with the first part but the second part....nope. I have a tank that has been well established for over a year and just can't seem to kick them yet. Good thing they are easy to take care of though. Just clean em up during the maintenance.

    Hope this helps.

    :cool:
     
    James0816, Mar 15, 2009
    #103
  4. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Dawn.....I posted in the "What's New...." thread. It seems that these two threads are linked together for the moment. ;o)
     
    James0816, Mar 15, 2009
    #104
  5. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Lets try to keep everything here from now on. :D
     
    Anthony, Mar 15, 2009
    #105
  6. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    definately....Anthony...can you move that post into here?
     
    James0816, Mar 15, 2009
    #106
  7. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    I agree.... I have a question for James too about the Phosphates that are in that thread...
     
    LemonDiscus, Mar 15, 2009
    #107
  8. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Everything's been merged. :D
     
    Anthony, Mar 15, 2009
    #108
  9. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    James... your thoughts on this... this is what I read?
     
    LemonDiscus, Mar 15, 2009
    #109
  10. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Have never heard of algae outcompeting at higher levels. The only way I know that it would be possible (thought process here) is if your plants are not consuming the nutrients fast enough. So if there are excess in the water column, then yes the algae could take hold. This comes back into the play of balance. Unless you are way overdosing Phosphates, the plants will do their part. Some people keep the levels higher than 2 when using the EI dosing scheme and higher light plants. If you keep it in in the ballpark of 2, you should be ok.

    As for the PH 6.5, I'm not familiar with the chems....can't comment on this one unfortunately. I steer clear of any additives. ;o)
     
    James0816, Mar 15, 2009
    #110
  11. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Yeah it is a PH buffer that contains phosphates and states "Do not use in planted aquariums" I always thought it had something to do with the phosphates in it.
     
    LemonDiscus, Mar 15, 2009
    #111
  12. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    I think the key is keeping the right amount of phosphates in the water. Too much and you have algae problems, not enough and you have other problems ?
     
    Anthony, Mar 15, 2009
    #112
  13. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Yeah and I am thinking that the buffer I had overdid the phosphates...
     
    LemonDiscus, Mar 15, 2009
    #113
  14. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    yep....just remember....balance grasshoppa!
     
    James0816, Mar 15, 2009
    #114
  15. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Thread Starter Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Great info.

    Now my dosing will include Seachem Flourish™ Phosphorus, Flourish, Flourish Excel, and the occasional Flourish Iron.

    <--feels like a mad chemist adding a dash of this and a touch of that & testing for this and a bit of that. Lol!
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 16, 2009
    #115
  16. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Ya know...I felt the same way when I switched to dry ferts. You get to measure out precise amounts, mix, then measure out precise amounts and dose. [glasses]

    Now to steer you away from them expensive Flourish items and go dry. Save you a ton-o-money! :cool:
     
    James0816, Mar 16, 2009
    #116
  17. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Thread Starter Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Yea, I'd defin. like that James.
    Got any recommendations that would be easy dosages without all the mixing needs and guesswork?
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 16, 2009
    #117
  18. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Let me check w/ Anthony to see if a site is acceptable....stand by. If not, I will PM ya.
     
    James0816, Mar 16, 2009
    #118
  19. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Thread Starter Active Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Roger dodger...assuming standby.
    most sites are acceptable IF they are not linked to a forum.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 16, 2009
    #119
  20. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Green Spot Algae & High Nitrate Reading

    Just making sure (had my hand slapped once before ;) )

    Here's where I order my ferts from: http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com

    I am mainly using the PMDD pre-mix and Mono Potassium Phosphate. Having great success with this.

    I am starting on EI dosing and getting individual ingredients. Gives you more control of your dosing and can adjust it one way or another. I'm still in the learning curve on this but so far no imbalance swings on my test tank.

    The amounts you get will last a very long time. Mix as you go.
     
    James0816, Mar 16, 2009
    #120
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