Why can't I grow greenwater?

I expect this will cause a few sniggers... I CANT grow greenwater! I really want to, especially as when peering into my bloodworm bucket today I espied what must be daphnia. bigsmile Obviously I'd like to keep that colony growing, and to do that I need greenwater.

I've tried all sorts of things: squished lettuce, grass, tankwater, java moss, pondwater...
This afternoon I bruised a banana skin as a last attempt. The tank gets indirect light, but plenty.

What am I missing?

 

Java moss would more than likely prevent the green water.

And I think the tank would need DIRECT sunlight. (not through a window, but in the open sunlight.)

 

thanks for the reply, Zoom.
I've tried direct too... outside. I'm trying indirect because I found that suggestion on the web. I was hoping someone would tell me what has worked for them?

 

http://www.bka.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=276

 

Hi @tracyp

I too have tried the various jar culturing methods to no avail.
@Zoom is probably correct in saying the java moss will help prevent it as it competes for the available nutrients

What is working for me is sticking 3 small goldfish in a clear 20 litre bucket outside in a shady area. It gets maybe 3-4 hours of sunlight a day. I put in some new gravel, then a layer of old gravel to help with the beneficial bacteria. Filled the bucket up with old tank water and they've been out there for a couple weeks and are looking happy (swimming freely and eating well), the water is a light green and will probably turn thick soon. I put a lid on leaving quite a bit of space for sun and air and not quite enough for the cats to get comfortable, put a brick on the lid too. Light also enters through the sides as it's a clear bucket.

Will obviously have to make arrangements for the existing goldfish and get more in there when these get larger. I've found the water getting too hot to be more of a problem than it getting too cold. I don't think much direct sunlight is needed, morning sun is more beneficial to plants (including algae I'd suppose) people reckon.

I'd recommend plenty (and or relatively large) water changes once it's established, I will be using old tank water to replace what gets removed as I read it help out with nutrients and or bacteria and lacks chlorine or something to that effect.

Good luck with it, though you shouldn't need it.
PS. Don't use fancy goldfish, they're less likely to survive.

 

Thanks for your input, Jack!

Interestingly, I have 3 barrels in semi-shade with goldfish, lilies & some vallis. I've never had any of that water turn even slightly green, even the one with no filtration & only 2 fish. Though once when raising some calico fry and feeding liquid food (in a tank with half day sun) I got all excited when the water grew slightly green!

I guess I'll just have to carry on experimenting! trying the banana skin approach at the moment...

 

Hi @tracyp

The lilies and vallis are competing for the nutrients green water needs to flourish. I imagine the barrels do not allow much sun in and because they are (probably) pretty deep the light does not penetrate the water at the bottom. With just 2 fish you're probably not putting in all that much nutrients (food) either.

If you take your plants out (especially the lilies, they block out the sun and eat out a lot of nutrients, a great plant for preventing green water, and aiding in filtration for ponds I believe) and add another 2-3 goldfish (depending on the water capacity of the barrel) you should have green water on your hands pretty soon. Otherwise try to find a nice biggish CLEAR container that will allow light to penetrate its depth. Just add gravel and goldfish, try to "overstock" some what.

I have heard that banana skin is prone to attracting all kinds of bacteria you don't wont, try to ensure you keep things relatively sterile. I'm not sure if this information is accurate or not.

 

Don't feel bad @tracyp I tried growing green water and it just wouldn't work eventually over december we got home from our 2 week holiday lightning had struck our pool tripping the filter and turning it bright green. It was teeming with larvae I run around to my "green water tub" thinking at last it will have worked ...nope! Still crystal clear at that moment I realised I am not cut out for that