First of all let me say that personally have absolutely np with people witholding their layout designs before the time of the competions for me this has nothing to do with the type of secrecy I have in mind which refers to the way top notch hobbist keep their tanks in top health.
Ok here are some tricks of the trade:
- Baccies by Dupla in the substrate right above the bottom rich substrate layer, and Biozyme in the water column are supposed to be very good choices for starter bacteria additions from day one. Bacteria addition seems to be very important.
- One of the most important strategies in the startup of an alge free aquarium is the avoidance of as much as possible of organic compounds in the tank (measured indirectly as chemical oxygen demand), wc take care of them.
- Rich substrate layer under the top substrate (the top maybe inert as well) seems to make a big difference.
- The additions of shrimps from really early in the tank setup is another thing that helps stop the appearance of algae.
- UV use will kill algae spores and keep the water clean and not hazy and is being used by some.
- Lots of water changes specially on the initial stage.
- Additions of micros soon after the setup day and macros maybe after 5-6 weeks.
- So basically algae appearance prevention instead of eradication is the key.