Hey elliotdxn,
welcome to the forum. I know that algae can be very frustrating but being persistent is the best solution. Let's try to figure it out.
First off I would recommend cutting back on your light period. The amount of light you have seems great for that tank but the photoperiod might be a little long. Try closer to 10 hours. You might see a reduction in algae growth too, but green algae is a nuisance.
I noticed that you were looking for FF fish too. Again they are potent green algae eaters. I would recommend 3-4 if you can find some. It's ironic that you're in florida too. But ask your LFS they should be able to order some. If worst comes to worst you could mail order.
I also noticed that you are using root tabs. Could you please indicate which ones and their NPK (nutrients ratios) and how many/ how often?
Also could you provide information about your nutrients levels (N, P, Fe, etc?) and any dosing regiment you are using?
You indicated that you use flourish excel. This is a great carbon source, but it is not the best carbon source for large tanks at 4wpg. It is ideal for tanks under 30g with moderate lighting. If possible, I would consider upgrading the pressurized CO2, but since the plants you are growing are not heavy demand plants the excel can hold out. However, financially it might be more beneficial for pressurized CO2 in the long run.
Finally, I find the best way to removing thread algae is manual persistence. If it is possible I would try to remove as much algae by hand as possible. Then everyday after that spend 30 minutes to trying to remove the algae again. Hopefully, the cut back in photoperiod will help to keep the algae from overproliferating. And since most of your plants are root feeders, try to keep nutrients in the water column (N,P) to a minimum, which I believe might be stemming from the root tabs if anywhere.
Anyway, please post back.
David
welcome to the forum. I know that algae can be very frustrating but being persistent is the best solution. Let's try to figure it out.
First off I would recommend cutting back on your light period. The amount of light you have seems great for that tank but the photoperiod might be a little long. Try closer to 10 hours. You might see a reduction in algae growth too, but green algae is a nuisance.
I noticed that you were looking for FF fish too. Again they are potent green algae eaters. I would recommend 3-4 if you can find some. It's ironic that you're in florida too. But ask your LFS they should be able to order some. If worst comes to worst you could mail order.
I also noticed that you are using root tabs. Could you please indicate which ones and their NPK (nutrients ratios) and how many/ how often?
Also could you provide information about your nutrients levels (N, P, Fe, etc?) and any dosing regiment you are using?
You indicated that you use flourish excel. This is a great carbon source, but it is not the best carbon source for large tanks at 4wpg. It is ideal for tanks under 30g with moderate lighting. If possible, I would consider upgrading the pressurized CO2, but since the plants you are growing are not heavy demand plants the excel can hold out. However, financially it might be more beneficial for pressurized CO2 in the long run.
Finally, I find the best way to removing thread algae is manual persistence. If it is possible I would try to remove as much algae by hand as possible. Then everyday after that spend 30 minutes to trying to remove the algae again. Hopefully, the cut back in photoperiod will help to keep the algae from overproliferating. And since most of your plants are root feeders, try to keep nutrients in the water column (N,P) to a minimum, which I believe might be stemming from the root tabs if anywhere.
Anyway, please post back.
David
