Discus Buffer, Phosphate and Algae

[Mickey C]

Hooray for my first noob post :)

Previously I hadn't used too many buffers, just using water conditioner with tap water in Canberra seemed to keep the water at the right PH and hardness for tetras - never had issues.

In my efforts to keep the water as perfect as I can I think I've chosen the wrong product, and from what I've read I think this may be the case. I've cycled my tank and have very stable parameters (pH is 6.4, GH 4, KH 3-4, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate barely registers on the tester). I have some substrate and anubias on driftwood.

For water changes I use 50/50 tap and RO water, treat this with some Seachem Prime and Discuss Buffer as per their instructions. I read that using Seachem Acid Buffer may be the better option - so I guess my question is, would using Discuss Buffer be part of the reason for a big algae bloom I've had this week and hence a change to Acid Buffer removes at least that portion of the algae triangle?

I know there's more causes to algae than just one thing, but the discus buffer is the only real difference between my other tanks and my current tank - I've never had a bloom like I have this week. And out of curiosity, is this the reason why people dislike phosphate buffers, or are there other reasons as well?

Thanks for any answers in advance!

[boxters]

i have used both products, but the discus buffer is full of phosphates ant that is definately your problem. I now only use acid buffer

[Hollowman]

I have never felt the need for buffers, why do you think you need them?

[Mickey C]

I will be honest - it was because I had heard (and experienced) great things about Seachem and I thought if they made something like that then it was worth the investment. Sort of spend money for the health of the fish instead of trying to save a dollar. A few dollars in buffer is cheaper than (at least) $100 per discus when I'm happy I'm ready :)

I might try a few changes during the week with no buffer and see if the tank maintains a balance. A local store had advised they've had problems maintaining a discus display tank in the past couple of years because of our local water supply though. Not the store I buy my stuff from though ;)

Thanks again for the replies, I have to start somewhere :)

[rex82]

whats your ph out of the tap? what is it after aging? I wouldn't bother trying to change it if it is under 8. your fish will be better served in a tank with stable parameters and clean than a tank full of pea soup from additives. the more you add to the water the worse it will be for the fish. I learnt the hard way.... Now i just add water, de-chlor and thats it, my fish reward me with fry now :wink:

[Hollowman]

Yes, I'm with Rex, your local store probably do not specialise in Discus, therefore their method is to throw all sorts of rubbish at it.

Test your water (aged for 24 hours) out the tap. My ph is really high, but I use an RO system and mix with filtered tap water to get the correct conductivity, but I don't need to, they would be fine in regular tap water, it is just being able to understand your water parameters and read the fish.
For me there is no need to buffer, unless your water is so bad, but then it would be something the water company ought to be aware of.

[Mickey C]

I've started daily 30% changes with just Prime to reverse my bit of a balls up - I'll keep an eye on everything but it's already looking promising after two changes.

I'm a bit worried that the algae I can already see has died off will cause pollution. I know, keep up with the changes and it'll sort itself out :)

Thanks again for the help, feel a bit silly in hindsight.

[swampy1972]

No need to feel silly. We've all had our issues, many far more serious than a bit of algae.
If we didn't have issues keeping fish wouldn't be a challenge = no fun :D

[Mickey C]

I will defend my own honour just a little - phosphate based sounded better than carbonate based to keep my kH down. Gave no thought to algae at that point ;)

8 hour aged water is pH 7, but the tank is maintaining it's 6.4 at this stage.

Next challenge, making my eheim 2229 quieter... :D

[Hollowman]

8 hour aged water is pH 7, but the tank is maintaining it's 6.4 at this stage.



No need for any buffer, that is fine.

[rex82]

sounds like you are on a winner mate :) . use the K.I.S.S method and your discus will thrive