[Killietalk] Peat as algaecide? (was Re: Killietalk Digest J.Moss and Hydra problems)

[Wright Huntley <whuntley at verizon_net>]

Nick Ternes wrote:
> Perhaps Wright (or someone else also on APD) could take over here (I have to
> get to work) and explain Barr's Estimative Index for us.
>   
Nick is correct that more nutrients of the correct kind will allow a 
planted tank's plants to out-compete algae for living space.

I'm not competent to really describe the "estimative index" advocated by 
Tom Barr. My general impression is that it says to quit measuring so 
many parameters and use your eyeballs on the tank to get the 
fertilization routine right.. Start with a good recipe of basic 
nutrients to provide the light, carbon and nitrogen needed to build 
plant mass, plus other basic macros. Use "real" water (not pure 
distilled or RO) and add micro-nutrients as your local tap water 
requires them.Watch and adjust as needed, but fertilize and change water 
regularly to keep plants growing well.

We used to think phosphate was a no-no, because it caused algae bloom in 
some reservoirs. The _lack_ of phosphates is a much more common cause of 
algae in planted tanks. Squirt a little "Fleet Enema" (the sodium 
phosphate kind) in a tank with plants and algae and see what happens.:-) 
[This is a crude application of the estimative index, I guess. ;-)]

My experience is that boiled peat is a pretty effective algaecide in 
tanks that also have plants, but my experience there is mostly with our 
poorly-lit killy tanks. IDK if it works with high light, as I haven't 
really tried it.. For this list, I think this is a topic worth more 
discussion by those with direct knowledge.

I did once have a 55G tank with an UGF under a substrate that was about 
5-10% buried peat. I usually had about 120W of plant-efficient 
fluorescents over that tank. It even got a few minutes of direct 
sunlight, from a nearby window, every morning. I don't recall ever 
having an algae problem in that tank. My Anubias nana did bloom in it, 
though and most plants did very well. Take this isolated example with a 
grain of salt, tho. It was several years ago, and my memory is still my 
second-shortest thing. :-)

Wright

-- 
Wright Huntley - Rt. 001 Box K36, Bishop CA 93514 - whuntley at verizon_net  760 937-2276 (cell) .

"You can hear a lot by listening"
- Yogi Berra

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