26 replies to this topic

[Westie]

Wow that is a NICE looking tank! Good work!

Edited by Jason82, 05 March 2013 - 03:54 PM.

[Buccal]

Buccal, while I do appreciate the help, I do know how the cycle works and the ins and outs of establishing a balanced tank, i should have mentioned that this definitely is not my first tank I mean no offence, just looking to save you some extra typing
Any and all nitrates are rapidly consumed by my plants, i expect to almost never see nitrates present unless I have added them myself.
The tank is cycled and has been for the last 5 months at least.
I have kept an eye on the tank and haven't seen ammonia present at all since cycling.
Will do some research on acceptable levels of phosphate when I get the chance.

Yep that's cool,,, you did say your tank had a ammo spike on the 28th feb.
That's why I thought it was worse than it was.
Basic regime of weekly water changes (even if small) and keeping filters free running will keep the water born algae at bay, from daylight issues.
The uv light will allow it to stretch out longer between water changes.

[Niz]

There is nothing wrong with direct or indirect sunlight. I had sunlight as the main light source on my tank for years and no problems. Keep the nutrients in check and everything is rosy

[Buccal]

My breeding room running on a sump has over 140 aquariums and 200 plus plastic tanks.
I have sky lights in the ceilings so I don't need to consume power for lighting during the day.
Every single tank that sits under the sky light grows algae 10 times quicker.
I have combated this with gold spot plecs.

Also 20 years ago when I use to live with my parents because I was still a teenager,,,, I kept my display tank in the living room in a relatively darkish corner.
Mum made me move the tank into the laundry after one time I decided to go to the pines dirt bike riding halfway through refilling my tank with water after a water change,, (drug induced,, back in those days).
It was moved right in front of the glass sliding door with truckloads of daylight.
Algae would appear after two days,,, being young I use to water change monthly.
Yes of course dissolved solids promote algae, but the treatment was the same in the dark corner, with hardly any algae growth.

So. Dont tell me that the daylight does not promote algae growth when it's well known it does.
Of course low nitrate and no excess fertilizer saturation will retard algae growth.
Stick poking the know it all,,, me.

[Niz]

Just saying, you need light + nutrients to grow algae. If you remove either one of these from the equation, it will retard algae growth. Remove the nutrients and you will have very little algae growth no matter how much sun light the aquarium gets. The sunlight alone is not to blame.

Edited by Niz, 07 March 2013 - 11:02 AM.

[Buccal]

I apologize, I got a little juiced.

[Niz]

Aquariums are a passionate hobby I rage in secret sometimes too he he.