RE: [APD] Question

["Bob Crosby" <rtcrosby at charter_net>]

Bill,

Fish load is moderate, filtration is an Emperor 400, laterite was
introduced into the gravel upon initial seetup, so there is no (visible)
escape of it into the water column, and I add no chemicals other than
Amquel with bi-weekly water changes. We have lots of limestone and clay
in our soil here and our water right out of the tap is quite hard and
alkaline. We have been careful to not overfeed.

Thanks for your response. I didn't think there'd be an easy fix - darn! 

Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: aquatic-plants-bounces at actwin_com
[mailto:aquatic-plants-bounces at actwin_com] On Behalf Of william ruyle
Sent: Thursday, January 01, 2004 3:45 PM
To: aquatic plants digest
Subject: RE: [APD] Question


Bob, a little more info would help: fish load, what chems are being
added and how was the laterite introduced in the tank. 55w CF lighting
is adequate if it has a good reflector for a 29 gallon (I would go with
10-12 hours per day). If the laterite was placed in the bottom layer and
none of it is escaping into the water column, overfeeding might be
suspect, and just what is in the tapwater to give these high
measurements? You would be a candidate for an RO unit or start
collecting rainwater to slowly bring the hardness down. Too much too
soon will yield osmotic shock to the fish due to severe shift in TDS
(total dissolved solids)which will kill your fish dead so making TDS
checks are advised: a bow to Wright Huntley for this info:) A TDS meter
is the most important measuring device for keeping fish (I think I'm
still quoting Wright here).

Anyhoo, you're in for a fun time of it: massive water changes and clean
as much of the substrate, plants, glass, filter as you can. Sounds more
like BGA than green algae. Plant hygro polysperma lots) and hornwort,
najas guadalupensis, which are easy quick growers. Cram as much of these
plants as you can in the tank after thorough cleaning. Using CO2
injection and losing the PhosGuard would help too, IMO. Also, you can
try Tom Barr's blackout method for 3-4 days by turning the light off and
placing a black plastic covering over the tank to completely shut it
from any ambient light as well. I've never tried this, but have read
favorable reports. Don't envy your headache, been there, maybe will
again, who knows:-)

HTH, and do check the APD archives,

Bill

-----Original Message-----
From: aquatic-plants-bounces at actwin_com
[mailto:aquatic-plants-bounces at actwin_com]On Behalf Of Bob Crosby
Sent: Thursday, January 01, 2004 1:12 PM
To: 'aquatic plants digest'
Subject: [APD] Question


My daughter has a 29 gallon tank with 55 watt compact fluorescent
lighting, with the lights on 8 hours per day. Our water is quite hard
(220 ppm+) and alkaline (8.4+). The gravel has been supplemented with
laterite. We're using Seachem PhosGuard to reduce phosphates.

The only plant that seems to thrive thus far is Java fern, except for
the green algae that coats the glass, plants and creates a mulm over the
gravel. We can literally harvest the stuff from the gravel and rub it
off the leaves of the plants.

My question is twofold: 1.) what would anyone suggest to reduce (ideally
eliminate) the algae, and 2.) what plants would anyone recommend in this
relatively low light environment besides perhaps the obvious Anubias or
Val spp.?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Bob

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