Algae Control "Redfield factor"

[bayfield]

I was browsing the web for blue green algae and came across this. I knew it was caused by chemical imbalance in my tank but never was sure what the balance should be and how to get there. Charles Buddendorf seems to have developed a handy way of doing it called the redfield factor and it shows you how to balance the nitrates and phosphates by a plug and play chart. The site is http://www.xs4all.nl/~buddendo/aquarium/redfield_eng.htm. Has anyone tried this or have any thoughts. I plan on giving it a try unless anyone has has heard of a reason why not to.

[CACAdmin]

Interesting. I haven't heard of it (thus never tried it). We'd love to hear the results you obtain if you do give it a try.

[Pamelajo]

That is quite interesting.

[firestorm]

I think I might just give it a try. I have some stupid blue/green algae starting to pop up in my 35 planted tank grrrrr. My fault for forgetting to put ferts in somedays. It is definitely a nuisance and if you let the blue green slime algae get out of control, it can actually harm or kill your fish. I was going to try the black out method starting today. Thanks for that link :notworthy:

[bayfield]

I haven't tried it yet because I have a couple of new things going on such as a new biological filter (far more volume than the old). I did check water quality and phosphate was .5 and nitrates 20. With that the chart said I sould have a problem with green algae not blue/green. I have little green algae but the nitrate numbers may be off because I use Florish nitrogen and I understand you half the reading, just don't feel comfortable with that yet. I'll give the new filter a few weeks to settle in and begin battling the blue/green.

[firestorm]

Or just try water changes and the black out method. Apparently from this webpage http://www.aquariumalgae.blogspot.com/ it is a good way of getting rid of this algae. My blue green algae probably came about because of me forgetting to dose with ferts when I should :realmad: