Algae Takeover: Our Plan to Restore a Display Tank! - Part 1
Algae Takeover: Our Plan to Restore a Display Tank! - Part 1
This is Part 1 of a multi-part series diagnosing and restoring a freshwater (FW) planted display tank we intentionally let develop an algae problem, specifically so we could show you the full restoration process, not just the finished result.
How the Problem Started
Filtration mismatch: the stock canister filter was too small for the tank's needs, so we upgraded to an OASE Biomaster — which solved the flow problem but introduced a new one: the outflow nozzle lacked a lily pipe extension, so it blasted a single concentrated stream instead of dispersing flow. Algae grew almost exclusively in that direct flow path.
Lighting gaps: a single light on a 14" deep tank with a central wood centerpiece couldn't cover both the shaded back and high-light front sections. A second light was added temporarily while a better-suited fixture was on order.
Overgrown, untrimmed plants compounded the shading and nutrient imbalance.
Substrate disruption: the same concentrated flow that fed algae also pushed substrate around and buried planted hair grass.
The Fix Plan
Replace inflow/outflow pipes with a wider-dispersion lily-style pipe to eliminate the direct flow path
Add adjustable flow valves to bring overall flow to a manageable level
Test the 2Hr Aquarist APT fertilizer and algae-treatment line on this tank as a controlled trial before offering it in-store — using the tank's existing doser to fine-tune dosing on a 20-gallon system
