algae vs plants - who wins?

[coralone]

Been battling green hair algae in my 20 gallon for weeks. My Anubias and Java Fern are struggling, but the algae just keeps spreading. Anyone got tips to tip the balance back to the plants?

[flame]

Algae's a pain, but it's all about light and nutrients. What's your photoperiod? I cut mine to 6 hours and added floating plants to outcompete the algae. Worked like a charm after a month.

[Ravenix8]

Algae's a pain, but it's all about light and nutrients. What's your photoperiod? I cut mine to 6 hours and added floating plants to outcompete the algae. Worked like a charm after a month.

Yep, floaters are clutch. Frogbit and Salvinia sucked up my excess nitrates, and the algae dipped hard. Also, you dosing ferts? Overdoing it can feed algae more than plants.

[tigercub]

My tank has no algae. I use LED light for 5 hours daily. Water changes every week. Plants are growing well.

[brisk]

Had the same issue in my 40 breeder. Reduced light to 5 hours, added a bunch of fast growers like Hornwort, and upped my water changes to twice a week. Algae's on the ropes now. How often are you changing water, coralone?

[coralone]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna cut the light to 6 hours and grab some Frogbit. Been slacking on water changes, so I'll bump those up too. Appreciate it!

[flame]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna cut the light to 6 hours and grab some Frogbit. Been slacking on water changes, so I'll bump those up too. Appreciate it!

Solid plan. Just don't go overboard with the changes, or you'll stress the plants. Slow and steady wins the algae race.

[Ravenix8]

Also, if you're not running CO2, consider it. My plants went nuts after I started, and algae couldn't keep up. It's a game-changer if you're serious about planted tanks.

[brisk]

Also, if you're not running CO2, consider it. My plants went nuts after I started, and algae couldn't keep up. It's a game-changer if you're serious about planted tanks.

Second this. Even a cheap DIY setup can make a difference. Just watch for pH swings if you're not consistent with dosing.

[tigercub]

I do not use CO2. My plants are fine. Maybe you need better balance.