Promoting Algae Growth

[Random Aquarist]

Well, I've got my lights squared away. Now I need some algal growth. Instead of buying my Chlorodesmis right away, I'd like to promote the growth of other algae in my tank to see what I've got to work with. I poured in some freeze-dried bloodworms (now regret) to create some NH4, NO2, and NO3. Now, I want some phosphates. How do you add phosphates to a system? What else can I do to promote growth?

 

[lulaface]

are you trying to grow nuisance algae or macros? i have found that trying to increase nutrients by adding food (organic matter) just ends in a slime/hair algae outbreak. If you want to supplement your plants then get aquatic plant fertilizers. Also, have you tested to see where your levels are now, before adding anything? My levels of phosphate and nitrate always read zero, but I have PLENTY of growth on my macros. Doing too much too soon will always get you into trouble. So go slow and be patient.

 

[Random Aquarist]

So should I do a water change?

 

[Tranquility]

when you add freeze-dried you get phosphate too

is not enough ....try hight phosphate plant fertilizers or use phosphate salt like di-sodium phosphate

 

[Young Frankenstein]

dose iron

 

[Python73]

Um... what? You can promote growth by not fussing with your tank. Let it alone. Algae will grow itself with no extra work.

Tank + substrate + light + saltwater. That's all the additives you need.

S !