"AquariumFatasies" wrote in message
...

(Brevity snips)

Its simple RM.Proper bulbs + proper reflectors + correct lighting
schedule+ proper water parameters = better aquatic plants and less
algae.

* It's not so simple Roy when I still have no idea which would be the proper
bulbs under my conditions. Lighting schedule can be changed with no problem,
but even with 2 hours a day less lights, the algae is still thriving. I
can't humanely keep the water any cleaner short of daily massive changes.
The next step would be some kind of flow-through system which is impossible.
I'm now diluting the water almost half with rain water and that made no
difference (making it softer and less alkaline). Plants are the best
quality that I can find locally. Within days there's a coating of algae on
them.

For plants to thrive a nd flourish, they need a given spectrum of
light,, algae for the most part as you stated can thrive in most any
light condition. .but a plant can not.

* This is true.

Provide that plant with proper
parameters and light, and it makes less of everything else available
to grow algae............youjust have to find the right combination of
each to fit your tanks situation........

* In all honesty I can't afford to start buying bulbs ($10 to $15 and up) in
the hopes I'll be lucky and hit the one or a combination of bulbs that
works. I do follow most of what you explained but still don't know which to
buy. The water lettuce thrives under these lights as does the Canadian pond
weed, vals, hornwart and anubias.... but so does this *&^%$#@ algae.

but starting with lights and
reflectors is the first step I would go for.

* But which lights for my conditions? That's the question. There are so
many out there your head can spin reading all the information and available
wattage's, Lumens etc. As for buying or making 3 or 4 bulb reflectors.
That's not an option at this time. My husband has no interest in my
aquarium hobby so I'm pretty much on my own.
--

RM....
..
Zone 6. Middle TN USA
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