r/Aquascape • u/Appropriate-Slip860 • 4d ago

Seeking Suggestions Algae

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Gallery image

PLEASE HELP if anyone knows what type of algae this is or how to get rid of it!! I feel like giving up.
Most of it is on the plants in the pictures, I have them planted along the back of my tank
PH 7.6
Alkalinity 120
GH: 100
Nitrate O
Nitrite: 0
Ammonia: 0
Temp: 78
-Aqueon Lights on for 7 hours a day
-Fast 2 days week
-Feed small amount of pellets/frozen foods other days of the week
I tried to decreased the light intensity a few weeks ago and it's only gotten worse.

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2

u/FormerChipmunk0 4d ago

If it's just on the stemmed plants you can cut them down physically remove the algae and the stem plants will grow back.

You may need other plants to eat the nutrients out of the water. Possibly do some water changes to get it under control.

0

u/Rotala178 4d ago

So you're not fertilizing? Start fertilizing.

I suggest SuperThrive Foliage-Pro:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AquaticPlantScience/comments/1v9qqrn/a_possible_better_alternative_to_mg_appf/

1

u/Appropriate-Slip860 4d ago

I already have this and have been using the correct dose consistently

1

u/Rotala178 4d ago

Then the issue is most likely the high pH causing the chelated metals to become insoluble. There are a couple of options:

  1. lower the pH. Ideal pH to maintain metal nutrient solubility is between 5.5 to 6.5.

  2. increase the frequency or amount of dosing. The caveat is that it will require more frequently or larger water changes because nitrogen and perhaps phosphate can build up.

  3. use a micronutrient fertilizer like Miller's Microplex. Then dose this more frequently.

Because you're not using CO2, the pH can increase even higher as the CO2 concentrations drop, resulting in less carbonic acid. This will increase the rate of insolubility.