Algaefying Your Tank

azn_phil · Post by **azn_phil** » 04 Feb 2004, 21:41

I would like to enhance and promote even more algae growth in my tank, as i have quite a few plecos in my tank.
Anyone have tips on maximizing algae growth? I know this is contradicting to conventional fishkeeping hehe....but i'm a pleco man what can i say...
I know putting the tank under direct sunlight will do....but its hard to move a tank when its large...what tips/suggestions you guys have? i.e. lighting, etc.

shamgar1 · Post by **shamgar1** » 04 Feb 2004, 22:40

Let me have a go at it for a few weeks and you'll have plenty!!

Just kidding, not sure how to encourage it. I can never stop it.

muridae · Post by **muridae** » 05 Feb 2004, 00:28

You know those UVB bulbs that they sell for reptiles? I accidentally put one of those on my goldfish tank, and the algae growth exploded. There was lots of slimy green algae everywhere. I bet if you used them to light your tank, you'd have lots of algae for the plecos to eat.

This is the kind I mean:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 006+113030

RogerMcAllen · Post by **RogerMcAllen** » 05 Feb 2004, 02:24

Growing algae in a tank full of hungry plecos seems like it might be kinda hard. What if you set up a 10 gallon tank and filled it with flat rocks. Seed the tank with algae, place it somewhere it will get lots of direct sunlight, and let it go nuts, just cycle the rocks out of this tank and you might be able to get a descent crop.

aquaholic · Post by **aquaholic** » 05 Feb 2004, 02:25

Theres no need to algae-fy your tank. I use small hardwood sticks on rotation to cultivate algae. I have a small hole drilled with a coat hanger wire hook at one end and so I can just slip the 'eaten ones' out and replace with fresh ones daily. Outside I have about 7 numbered tubs to grow more algae on sticks. A pinch of liquid fertilizer in the direct sun and 7 days is all I need for fresh thick algae.

Winston

Gabriel · Post by **Gabriel** » 05 Feb 2004, 07:32

Sheesh, I only wish I could send you some of mine. Trice-weekly water changes and my little school of Otos haven't so much as put a dent in my crop--I finally ordered a UV sterilizer for the spores and am contemplating a pair of pl*cos for the green stuff.

My secret? 110W on 46 gallons, few plants, and overenthusiastic use of liquid fetrilizers. Basically, strong light + excessive nutrients = algae.

Beersnob · Post by **Beersnob** » 07 Feb 2004, 14:01

Or encourage a higher (but safe for the fish) nitrite/nitrate levels in your tank. That is usually when I have the most algae issues.