Hi all,i've finally taken the plunge and added a few plants to my tank last night,just one question really,i've already noticed algae starting to build up on the glass,just wondering if there's a way to control this or do i just keep cleaning,or will it just settle down itself in time

Cheers

Paul

Ok, you'll need to give a few more details, Paul. How much light do you have over the tank?
Wattage and bulb type and size of tank?

Secondly, are you dosing fertiliser?

Algae is a complicated subject. There are so many inter-dependant criteria that need to be right.

How many plants did you add? What sort? General advice would be to plant lots, like 75% of the substrate from the start.

I'm doing a prune of my tank tomorrow, if you're able to get to Salthill around l2 (before I go racing!) I should be able to give you some fast growing plants to help you out.

I can give you a quick run-down on the basics at the same time? Pm me in the Am?

its always good to see people taking time to help other out.. nice one Andy

hey andy,how are you,i added 3 hygrophilla siamensis&3 bacopa monnieri,no fertiliser or anything,just running a 30watt t8 bulb,the light is crap,i need to make a new hood to put more light in,its a 4ft tank,180litre,its 4ft long,18 inches high,its bow front,going 12 to about 18inches deep,dont know if i'll get out tomorrow,i'm home alone with the two kids this week,i'll see how i'm fixed in the morning

cheers

Paul

Ok so. Basically.

1. you need more light.
2. You need fertiliser.
3. You need more plants.

(this is very general)

I can advise you on the light and i can sort you out with some ferts too, to keep you going.

Let me know, i'n around for a couple of days.

@adamireland, if it wasn't for people like zig and a few more helpinh me out I'd still be farming algae. What goes around comes around. Thanks

Thanks a million andy,i will try and get out tomorrow,you cant beat talking to an expert,especially when you havn't a clue

Cheers

Paul

wasnt there a film called "Pass it Forward"? which talked about the same thing

I'm no expert, Paul. Just a bloke who's already made every mistake you can and learned from some of them!

Don't panic if you can't make it today. I just realised that I have no water conditioner so I can't do anything until Aquapaws opens....
I have a tank I put the cuttings in for you anyway so they'll be grand for a while!

cheers andy,just sent you a pm before i checked here,wont be able to make it today,but i'd love to see the tank some day,imo if you've made nearly all the mistakes and are learning from them you're on the right track to being an expert

Thanks

Paul