.

[piatotsini]

.

 

[zig]

Well i dont think there is a way to avoid the diatom stage on a new planted setup, but by cloning the filter you will significiently shorten this initial algae period, so its definatly worth doing IMO, others may differ but i would suggest there is a link between an uncycled filter and the period of time you will experience the diatom bloom, if the filter is cycled this period is reduced IMO.

 

[George Farmer]

I agree with zig, a mature filter will reduce the inevitable initial algae growth. Otos are great for soft, brown algae too.

 

[NAL]

Hi
I've just set-up a new tank using an Eheim external that has been running on the previous set-up for ~ 4 months or so. New tank set-up with Aquasoil and Powersand Special, CO2, ferts from day one more or less, and planted with mostly Crpyts, Anubias, Narrow leaf Java fern and Cyperus helerfi. It has been running just over 2 weeks- I've really not seen any algae, bar a little brown on the Cyperus. I would expect to see algae in that initial phase particularly since I have mostly slow growers in there. One of the things I put it down to is the mature filter.

Nick

 

[George Farmer]

Hi
I've just set-up a new tank using an Eheim external that has been running on the previous set-up for ~ 4 months or so. New tank set-up with Aquasoil and Powersand Special, CO2, ferts from day one more or less, and planted with mostly Crpyts, Anubias, Narrow leaf Java fern and Cyperus helerfi. It has been running just over 2 weeks- I've really not seen any algae, bar a little brown on the Cyperus. I would expect to see algae in that initial phase particularly since I have mostly slow growers in there. One of the things I put it down to is the mature filter.

Nick

That's very interesting Nick - I did wonder about your stocking initially with slow growers and potential algae.

It must be the initial ammonium spikes associated with immature filters that cause the early algae issues. I will certainly bear this in mind with my new setup, thankfully I have a friend that lives opposite with a tank. I could run my new Eheim 2028 in his tank to get it seeded.

I look forward to seeing updated shots of your setup too mate.

FKNM - sorry to hijack a little!

 

[George Farmer]

I wouldn't worry mate, in a healthy tank the diatoms will only be a temporary issue.