Hi Jan
I am hesitant ro recommend any particular brand of tube, as everyone seems to
have differing results. I suppose that specific tubes that promote plant growth
is the way to go, but personally I have had just as much succes with ordinary
household neon tubes, and as they are cheaper they can be replaced every 6
months or so. At the moment my planted tank has a specialist tube and an
ordinary one, this seems to work well for me, the tank is a 48"x18"x15" so 2 36"
tubes give me excellent lighting. the population is quite high, with at least 20
of your favourites (corys) together with a selection of larger tetras, gouramis
and all sorts of odds and ends!
As to when to up the lighting, I would not bother until you replant, it would
only encourage further algae growth. Get the plants in and start increase the
light period, I do believe the key here is to get a good balance of planting and
fish it would seem that understocked tanks are far more prone to this sort of
problem, why I'm not sure. Perhaps the constant movement of plant and substrate
by the fish help, I think thread algae in particular occur in fairly static
tanks, those with good water movement, regular sifting of the substrate etc seem
to fair better. Remember though that the ordinary green algae is a natural thing
and that all water in the wild will have it, it really is beneficial in
moderation and it is only our desire to clearly view the fish and want pristine
aquaria that is the driving force behind it's elimination. Personally I only
clean the front glass of algae, and perhaps the sides if it is unsightly,
otherwise I leave it alone.
So to sum up, up the plants, perhaps checking up to see which require less
intense lighting, the swords (Malayan and Amazon) are good in this respect, as
are many of the cryptocorynes, Perhaps up the stock levels too, I don't know how
big the tank is but you could definately increase the corys, they love to be in
shoals, regardless of species. they will also help turn the substrate over. If
your tetras are doing well avoid the livebearers (Guppys, Mollys, Swordtails etc
as the water may not suit them) Perhaps think of adding some Danios, maybe other
Tetras, avoid the larger ones though such as Buenos Aires and Congo, anyway
enough for now, it's becoming a book!!
Regards
Steve
Jan Malkin <janmalkin@...> wrote:
Hi Steve,

Many thanks for your advice. In your experience, have you found that one
type of lighting tube is better than another for reducing this type of
Algae? Also would it be beneficial to increase the lighting before dealing
with more planting? I am going on Holiday in a week, and was planning on
replanting and extra yearly maintenance when we return. We do not have many
fish at the moment, some Lemon Tetras and Neons, 2 Cory's (my favourites) 2
Plecs,and babies which will go to the LFS when they are a little larger. I
have learnt the hard way that it is imperative to use a quarantine tank when
buying new fish!!!

Kind regards,

Jan





________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 2
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2006 11:55:48 +0100 (BST)
From: steve shepherd <steve53549@...>
Subject: Re: Black(Brown?) Algae

Hi Jan,
The hardest of all algaes I'm afraid, the stuff is a real pain. The idea
of increasing the planting is probably the best way to go as it will
hopefully steal any nutrients. I never use any chemicals for my tanks, I am
from a time when there were few on the market so we had to use natural
methods to resolve problems. I would suggest though that when you do plant
up the tank INCREASE the lighting to say, about 10-12 huors a day and make
sure that the tubes are good, preferably fairly new, this will stimulate
vigourous growth in the plant and thereby help kill off the algae. I hope
this is of some help to you, let me know how yuo get on. By the way if you
can read back through the messages here you will find lots of queries and
suggestions about this problem.
regards,
Steve

jeanette5058 <janmalkin@...> wrote:
Hi,

I have had my Aquarium for 11 months, just recently I have had a
Black/Brown (not quite sure which)algae growing on several of the
plants. I have two adult Ansistrus (also loads of tiny babies)but
they only eat the Green Algae.
I do not have excessive levels of nitrate, and the lighting is on 7
hours per day, I am planning on increasing the planting and I want to
prevent the problem naturally (no chemicals) but web searches are
coming up with conflicting opinions. Any tips welcomed. TIA

Jan







The greatest rewards are those least likely to make you rich

---------------------------------
The all-new Yahoo! Mail goes wherever you go - free your email address
from your Internet provider.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
tropicalaquaria-unsubscribe@...


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links




------------------------------------------------------------------------






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




The greatest rewards are those least likely to make you rich

---------------------------------
All New Yahoo! Mail – Tired of Vi@gr@! come-ons? Let our SpamGuard protect you.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]