In planted aquariums, plants constantly shift gears to match current growth conditions and environmental factors. New optimized growth is algae resistant and is easy to spot from its brighter colors and better growth forms (1) vs deteriorating older growth that is faded in color and attracting algae (2). The difference is subtle but discernable when one examines closely.
Stable growth parameters in aquariums maximize adapted growth (1), while unstable or lacking growth parameters in aquariums cause plant stress and more deteriorating older growth (2).
In this example, the best action is to uproot and discard (2) while topping and replanting (1). Removing older deteriorated growth that is vulnerable to algae (2) while maximizing high quality algae resistant growth (1) is the way to get an algae free tank.
This photo comparison shows 24 days of a new aquarium settling in.
1. Did 100% water changes every 2 days for the first 2 weeks, now back to 1 a week 50% water change.
2. Replanted the adapted top portion of Rotala Roraima once it grew out, uprooted and discarded old deteriorating bottom portion.
3. Trimmed Rotala blood red 3 times by now to get better density and alignment of tops.
4. Trimmed away old leaves for Lysimachia parvifolia to prevent algae.
5. Trimmed away old leaves on Blood vomit to remove algae.
6. Replaced hygrophila with M. pteropus 'orange narrow'.
In newly planted aquariums, deteriorating older growth is what triggers bad algae blooms. By pruning and removing older growth and replanting adapted growth, aquariums can become algae resistant very quickly.
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