Green Spot Algae !!

[Lady Hobbs]

Since I got my Nova light a few months back, I have problems with green spot algae constantly. I've reduced lights from 10 to 8 hours a day.

I have to scrape the back of my tank with a razor blade to get the algae off the glass. Otto's can't eat that stuff. I can kill it from my anubias by a light bleach dip but plants aren't supposed need dipping every month! (at all)

Everywhere I read on the net, it says increase phosphates. No way! My phosphates are already 1 and already higher than they should be. (Nitrates are 5.) If anything, I need a phosphate reducer, not raise it.

I'm not sure if I should began dosing with ferts again or not. Perhaps the other nutrients need to be raised up since the phosphates are higher?????


On a different note:
Ironically, I just checked the nitrates in my 55 gallon tank, not planted, with 5 blood parrots. My nitrates are 0 (as much as we always read in here that you MUST HAVE nitrates. I haven't done my water change in 5 days.

So, for a neat twist, the planted tank has nitrates but the unplanted one is at 0.

[sheamurai]

Sure, Lady H, just turn all the rules over backwards why don't ya?

[MuckyFish]

Is there algae in the parrot tank? I got a real growth of algae while I was on holiday and came back to 0 nitrate, soon rectified itself once the algae was removed.

[Lady Hobbs]

Is there algae in the parrot tank? I got a real growth of algae while I was on holiday and came back to 0 nitrate, soon rectified itself once the algae was removed.

No, I have no algae in my parrot tank. That's my unplanted, bare bottom tank. 0 nitrates is no surprise to me as I've had 0 on many occassions, especially when there's no substrate in the tank. I also did my filter maintenance last week and an 80% water change. It simply means the tank is clean.

My planted 55 that got the new lights is my problem. Those new lights have spawned that green spot algae and I just wondered if I should be dosing ferts more regularly to balance what phosphates I have or simply start using phosphate remover. Phosphates has always been a problem for me because it comes out of the tap at almost 2 and should be less than .50 in planted tanks.

I need to do one or the other. More ferts or get rid of the phosphates but not sure which one.


sheamurai......What rules?

[Cliff]

I have been thinking about that Lady Hobbs. I rarely get that green spot algae. But then again, I have no phosphates in my water. It might be best to first try to lower the phosphate levels and see if that has a impact.

Just a guess on my part tho

[Lady Hobbs]

Me thinks so too. Easier than doing all this thinking.

You'd think the dumb plants would be using those phosphates up.