[davemonkey]

So, I've been battling algae since I re-set up my tank in November. I think my main problem is that I did a "test" and put 1/4 inch soil under my substrate, and then tried to adjust normal EI dosing on top of that.

I went through BBA and staghorn for a little while, then cyanobacteria, and GSA all over the glass. I tweaked here and there (dosing less micros, higher phosphates, no ferts at all for a week...) each resulting in a different algae.

Currently I am back to GSA showing up on the glass along with a green film on the glass, and green water. This happened abruptly after dosing full Phospahtes, 2/3 KNO3, and no micros (refering to EI). Pressurized CO2 is set to max that fish can handle. Lighting is moderate-high and 9 hr photoperiod.

I've concluded that a soil-substrate is best when used according to El Natural and Mineralized methods. Mixing a little of that with water column dosing involves more than I care to deal with. I'm very close to ripping it all up and starting over with my normal substrate, HOWEVER, my plants are still growing fabulously.

Any comments or suggestions before I go in for a re-do?

-Dave

 

[davemonkey]

Thanks, Zapins. Yes, once I posted that I got to thinking, it took 6 months in my first tank before all the algae problems went away, so this tankis still relatively new.

As to the other post, I think every algae issue (new set-ups and old) ties into that. I found your information in the new thread VERY interesting. I'm gonna keep my eye on that one for awhile now.

-Dave