Wood and Algae

Hi Fellow Malawi brothers and sisters

I have Ps Acei as one of the species in my tank. Since they are Herbivours cichlids and after alot of research Ive noted that they generally feed from algae of wood in the lake. So this is my question: Which wood should I look into getting and how big for a 240L tank. Note though that I have otehr more specific rock dwelling malawis int eh tank so was thinking making one side more wood and other rocks.

Secondly: I only manage to have the diatom brown algae in my tank, I want green!! What is the secret to having Green algae??

Greetings

Riaan

 

The brown algae should go away soon if things are left to settle and things stabilise in your tank.

Green algae will grow if sufficient nutrients and light are available. I've tried growing green for my acei too, and just seem to get Black Brush Algae instead. Some green does grow at times, but gets eaten very quickly.

How much lighting are you providing? Do you have any plants in your tank?

 

Atm lighting is on 10-12 hours a day, have 2x T8's 30W, one white one red. Im looking to replace them though. I have no live plants at all. I want to look for some wood, although im not to worried about the algae, will make the tank look nice

 

I have a 350L tank with 2x39W T5 bulbs and get little algae, just a little on a couple of the rocks. When it grows, the green algae is scrapped off by some of my fish. It is good to see some natural behaviour in your aquarium and algae does make the setup more natural

 

Hiya

I would have a concern about what the wood would do to my PH, other than that natural light and time grows algae for sure my tanks covered in algae and while its not needed and can be covered by good food, it looks awesome when your Mbuna enjoy more natural behaviour.

Good luck

 

If you are wanting algae growth then just add in a couple of 15watt long life bulbs. Yes those we use for the house.