Loaches Online Forum

I'm currently using my small 20Litre quarantine tank for growing algae for my hillstreams (window sill with direct sunlight) and adding ammonia to it once or twice a week. This is working ok, but I’d prefer not having the second tank setup.

Is there a balanced way to grow algae in my main tank without it taking over?

I have found that using a Phosfate remover in your filter, and a addition of nitrates on a daily basis tends to make for a great basis for growing green algae.

(i use sera phosfec and easylife nitro)

Checking google for 'redfield ratio' will tell you why this works.

I've got about 20 different glass containers out on the porch filled with smooth rocks, water and ferts, but the algae growing is slow!!!! Would love more suggestions (haven't tried Martin's "special ingredient" yet) Is it too cool at night? Should I have them under 24 hour lights?

One thing I found that seemed to help speed up growth was to put a small powerhead, pump or airstone into the tank to agitate the water.

I have a air pump and small filter running on the tank, maybe i need to add more light?

You can get really luxuriant algal growth if the stones just have water running over them, rather than being deeply submerged. If your filter out flow is high enough you could place a little shelf or something beneath that and set the stones on it, so they'll get the best of all worlds (close to the tank lights, lots of nutrient-laden water, and good gas exchange).