I recently replaced my bulbs and am having a hair algae outbreak on java ferns but only those near the water surface. I reduced my lighting time to 8 hours. What more can I do? I'm using 10000k bulbs. Thanks.
too much nutrient = 50% water change and/or add more plants
too much light + low CO2 = reduce light and/or increase CO2
I hope this helps :)
Like Toss pointed out, low CO2 is a major, if not main, culprit for hair algae in my experience. If you are not dosing CO2 in your low-tech and low light tank, I would try to add Excel for a few weeks and see whether that makes a difference.
Quote from: Nyx on November 27, 2009, 10:32:15 AM
I recently replaced my bulbs and am having a hair algae outbreak on java ferns but only those near the water surface. I reduced my lighting time to 8 hours. What more can I do? I'm using 10000k bulbs. Thanks.
As was suggested do some more water changes & clean filter media, if possible raise light fixture , maybe 6 inches or so.
More than likely the new lamps with it`s new intensity is creating an imbalance in the system - older lamps was not as intense thereby the possible high nutrient level was not such a big issue.
Regards
P.S. also as was already suggested dosing some seachem excel until things settle is a good idea, can also remove the heavy infested leaves & also remove as much of the algae as possible
Quote from: zima on November 27, 2009, 12:02:57 PM
I would try to add Excel for a few weeks and see whether that makes a difference.
Note if you have any horn-wort, that Excel will cause it to melt. Learned that from experience >:( otherwise I agree with zima.
Thanks all for the great advice. I will give it a try. I do appreciate the help. :)
Quote from: charlie on November 27, 2009, 12:19:08 PM
As was suggested do some more water changes & clean filter media, if possible raise light fixture , maybe 6 inches or so.
More than likely the new lamps with it`s new intensity is creating an imbalance in the system - older lamps was not as intense thereby the possible high nutrient level was not such a big issue.
Regards
P.S. also as was already suggested dosing some seachem excel until things settle is a good idea, can also remove the heavy infested leaves & also remove as much of the algae as possible
Right on!