Help with Plants and Algae Control

[Scott]

I have a new 30 gallon freshwater aquarium. I've had it up and
running 3-4 weeks with live plants. I have had no problems with the
fish but am having trouble keeping my plants alive and looking
healthy. I'm using Florish Plant Supplement and have a 36", 30W light
on my tank. I keep the light on 15-18 hours per day.

Right now the bulb is a standard aquarium bulb and I'm going to
replace it with a plant "Nutri grow light" shorly.

I've already lost one plant and 3 of my other plants are starting to
turn brown/yellow. What else is recommended to keep plants healthy.
I really want live plants in my tank. What plants are the most hardy
and where is the best place to get them?

I'm also starting to get some algae in my tank. What is the best way
to control it without harming my tank? I know it is an ongoing battle
but I'm sure there are ways to control it.

Thank you for all your help.
Scott

[Victor Martinez]

Scott wrote:
> healthy. I'm using Florish Plant Supplement and have a 36", 30W light
> on my tank. I keep the light on 15-18 hours per day.

Two problems right there. It's too little light for most plants in such
a small tank. And the light is on too many hours a day. A max of 12
hours is recommended for plants.

> Right now the bulb is a standard aquarium bulb and I'm going to
> replace it with a plant "Nutri grow light" shorly.

That won't do you much good. Better to get a CF lamp with at least 60 Watts.

> turn brown/yellow. What else is recommended to keep plants healthy.
> I really want live plants in my tank. What plants are the most hardy
> and where is the best place to get them?

If you can't get more light, then get some low-light plants, like
anubias and java fern. Most other plants won't make it.

> I'm also starting to get some algae in my tank. What is the best way
> to control it without harming my tank? I know it is an ongoing battle
> but I'm sure there are ways to control it.

Algae control is achieved with good plant growth. That is a challenge in
a low-light setting like yours.

--
Victor Martinez
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