wanting to grow algae

[cichlidboy]

I know most people have a hard time getting algae to go away.
but, I've always had an attraction to dark green almost black hair algae just growing on some of my intake and outtake tubes.
none seem to grow in my tank!@11
anyone know how to get them to grow?
i've even tried introducing some clumps of hair algae in my tank but it just seems to go away!

[joz]

Well I think they're growing closest to where the light is brightest on a soild surface.
I'd suggest more intense lighting.

[wombat1100]

Are you nuts????????????????
Lol

[cichlidboy]

i know, i know.
it sounds absurd to like or even want to grow hair algae.
but in the right spots covering "unnatural" intake and uptake tubes etc..."
it seems to look really good to me.
hahaha

[Woodsy]

Low levels of organic carbon, and a slight imbalance of nitrogen should do it for you mate. If that fails, grab an OLD piece of wood and stick it under an actinic tube - works wonders for me.
Believe it or not, I've sold some very expensive pieces of wood because of my algae growing tallents :p

[wombat1100]

i know, i know.
it sounds absurd to like or even want to grow hair algae.
but in the right spots covering "unnatural" intake and uptake tubes etc..."
it seems to look really good to me.
hahaha


Actually you are right , on un natural items it does take the plastic look off things, BUT can you be that selective as to what you start it growing on and what it ends up growing on? i have it on the edge of my plants and i hate it, cant pull them out and scrub them like a plastic one!!!+
but on the up tubes its ok i guess hmmmm :cool:

[cichlidboy]

hahaha
actinic tubes eh?
i have blue marine glo tubes.
but im pretty sure they aren't actinic.
i've seen algae growth just under normal fluro tubes.
doesn't algae thrive on phosphates and such?

this is turning out to be an interesting thread

[Woodsy]

Phosphates will give you either green water, or cyanobacteria. Niether of which, you want. Try the marine glows and an old piece of wood right up there underneath the light ;)

[joz]

I use plain ol Daylight T8 tibes,I get that growth on my tubes way up towards the top.
Undecided whether the algae is preferred over the white pvc outlets..??

[Woodsy]

lol, I know mate. I usually cover them in java moss - works a treat and looks great :p