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Re: Algae Eater pH levels
>Aquatic Plants Digest Tuesday, 27 August 1996 Volume 02 : Number 162
>- ------------------------------
>
>Subject: Algae Eater pH levels
>
>> I have a community discus planted 125g tank, pH ~6.8, temp 86F,
>> ammonium/nitrites/nitrates 0 that contains 9 discus, 3 small tet
>> 1 bristlenose catfish, 4 cory catfish, and 2 otos. I want to l
>> slowly to around 4 or 5 (the lower the better) to combat cyanoba
>> without resorting to medications. Discus love low pH but I don'
>> the lower tolerance levels are for the algae crew. Has anyone k
>> temporaily mainained SAEs, bristlenose or otos at low pH?
>
>I suspect the SAE's will be very uncomfortable, and possibly the
>Ancistrus. The Otos should be fine. OTOH, this pH is too low to
>support healthy plant growth... one of the reason that Discus
>aren't generally found in vegetated areas in nature.
>
>Additionally, how do you intend to lower your pH this far? If you
>do it by adding CO2, you will reach dangerous levels of CO2. If
>you are adding a phosphate based buffer, you will cause major
>algae problems.
>
>
>Karen Randall
>Aquatic Gardeners Assoc.
>Boston, MA
>
Karen, are you saying the PH 6.8 is too low to support healthy plant
growth? My 55 is a jungle at PH 6.4-6.8! I have 25" high swords sticking
out of the top.
- Bill Brady ... Harwood Maryland USA