I want to grow Algae

Discussion in 'Algae' started by DarylA, Apr 20, 2011.

  1. DarylA

    DarylA

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    Hi Forum,

    I know this may sound bizarre as all tanks eventually grow Algae anyway but I was wondering what would be the best lighting setup for growing Algae for my Mbuna to graze?

    Daryl
     
    DarylA, Apr 20, 2011
    #1

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  3. Big G

    Big G Apisto Nutz!!!

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    10k - 18k lights, and lots of them! No CO2, and no ferts, and watch that Algae bloom!!

    G!
     
    Big G, Apr 20, 2011
    #2
  4. Vis

    Vis Gerhard

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    Even 6500K - 8800K will work, just leave them on for 15hours a day.
    Big Watts too.
     
    Vis, Apr 20, 2011
    #3
  5. Go-Big

    Go-Big

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    Lekker direct sunlight.
     
    Go-Big, Apr 20, 2011
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  6. zaqwsx15

    zaqwsx15

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    agreed with go big

    someone in one of my other threads suggested i grow algae rocks for my two otos

    i put a pyrex dish with tank water on the window ledge where i know it gets direct sunlight with 4-5 pieces of smooth slate, no sharp edges, and 1 week later, the whole dish is a big bowl of algae.

    i put a rock in the tank over night, its clean by the morning....rotate the rocks in to the fishtank

    place it back in the dish...algae again...top up with tank water every 4 days or so to stop evaporation
     
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2011
    zaqwsx15, Apr 20, 2011
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  7. Fanlie

    Fanlie

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    blue lighting or get sunlight :p 12+ hour per days
     
    Fanlie, May 3, 2011
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  8. scotty

    scotty

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    Make sure your water PH is up high. 8,4 is good for the mbuna and alkaline water causes greater algae growth.
     
    scotty, Sep 19, 2011
    #7
  9. Naomi

    Naomi

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    Thanx for the tips, also need to grow some, my tank is way to clean with all my loaches....
     
    Naomi, Oct 9, 2011
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  10. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    I would put a rock in an open dish filled with water in a sunny corner of the garden. After a few days algae should be starting to grow.
    When it's completely covered, give it a rinse to get rid of any potential nasties and put it in your tank. And then start a new rock in the garden again.
     
    Reedfish, Oct 12, 2011
    #9
  11. wearsbunnyslippers

    wearsbunnyslippers aquascaper

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    come get some of my tank water, i have gda, a real nasty form of bba and clado, i am sure i can dig out some thread as well...

    cant you just feed veggie wafers, blanched baby marrow or spinach instead of trying to grow algae?
     
    wearsbunnyslippers, Oct 12, 2011
    #10
  12. TankMaster

    TankMaster Apistogramma

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    Filter Juice + Direct sunlight = Green water and algae*
     
    TankMaster, Oct 12, 2011
    #11
  13. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    Btw, I have never seen any scientific evidence to prove this one way or the other. But I have read that the Algae that grows in your tank is not nearly as nutritious as the Algae in Lake Malawi. I suppose the Algae in the lake has all sorts of micro crustaceans etc living in it that the Cichlids end up eating with it.
     
    Reedfish, Oct 13, 2011
    #12
  14. azurekoi

    azurekoi Loaches & Gobies

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    @Reedfish is totally correct.... Mbuna dont just live off algae,but feed of the "aufwuchs" (Google it - its German...lol) that live in it,but the main part of their natural diet still remains algae... getting peak food performance for them though is finding a way to introduce some extra vitamins in their diet...look at feeding a premium quality food in their die as well as supplimenting it with fresh,blanched veggies...
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
    azurekoi, Oct 14, 2011
    #13

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