How do I get more algae?

[AndorranPrince]

I'm trying to establish colonies in the 120 before I move my pleco in. I put fertilizer in the tank, and have a full-length double bulb fluorescent lighting system, and only just barely am I seeing algae. The tank's in the basement and I don't want to risk cyanobacteria, how can I speed up the algaeification?

[Northernguy]

You can place some rocks in a jar of tank water and place it in the window.The algae won't take long.Drop them in your tank once they are ready.
Leaving your lights on longer may help too.

[rich311k]

I will happily send you mine. :)

Maybe add some nitrogen to the tank for food for the algae.

[AndorranPrince]

Where can I get nitrogen?

[rich311k]

Fish food works, it decomposes nicely into plant food.

[AndorranPrince]

Ah, sounds good. Thanks!

[Red]

I would try the bin full of rocks. Your pleco does not have to eat algae all the time, once he takes out the algae in the tank you can feed him nice cut green veggies like cucumber and such, and your other fish will benefit from it too!

[AndorranPrince]

Of course. I usually feed him crystalwork harvested from my 10g when I can, some of which is in the 120 as well. He just seems to like natural fresh algae :)