Algea in the undergravel filter (on purpose)

Harry Muscle wrote:
*I was just reading one of the post on the krib
(http://tinyurl.com/x4nc) about growing algea in an
undergravel filter. It apparently eliminated the algea bloom usuall
ountered when setting up a new tank, as well as preventing algea
from
ever setting in (I know you can prevent algea by over planting and
making
sure the plants grow perfectly, however, this method seems really
interesting too, without the need to control everything just so). I
was
wondering if the original poster (Wright Huntley) might still be
around and
maybe have an update for us as to how things have turned out over the
last
two years. Or if he's not around, maybe we could discuss this idea a
bit.
What does everyone think of it? Does it seem reasonable?

Thanks,
Harry
Algae control and nutrient control go hand and hand. I use a tray
with lights that run at night that is oppsite tank lights. The
algae removes the NH directly and nitrate levels are zero. Make
sure to keep an eye on PH and adjust light time. Higher the PH the
less light on tray. Good luck.




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"So it does sound reasonable that one would be able to limit the algea
growth
to just the area where I want it to be? The only reason why I would
shy
away from just trying this would because of the fear that the algea
would
end up spreading to the rest of the tank.

Anybody have experience with an algal scrubber (which is what this
basically
is). Does the algea have a tendency of spreading to the rest of the
tank,
or is it happy staying where you want it to be?

Thanks,
Harry"

I used several designs for algal scrubbing in FW tanks.
As far as something to export nutrients (the only reason one would
find to use the darn things) plants are far more effective at export
than algae are.

If you are going to use one, they require more light than plants for
the similar nutrient export. The algae on the bottom of the tank will
evwentually rot, decay as it builds up and this will no longer help.
You need to export the excess nutrients somehow for this to work well
over the long term.

You also need to assume excess nutrients cause algae in planted tanks.
That's a _big_ assumption. NH4 perhaps, but the others are not a
problem if you have enough plant mass/decent growth.

Planted tank is the goal is it not? Should you focus on healthy plant
growth rather than nutrient exports? The less algae the better.

Aquatic plants require more nutrients than algae and more PO4.
I have seen numerous research papers to this effect as well as growing
plants for many years and the pattern clearly shows this.

Try the plant filter, you'll have much more success.

Regards,
Tom Barr