it's my understanding that different algae grow at different phosphate levels.
5.0+ regular algae grows.
1.5 bad algae grows.
0 no algae grows.
maybe that's the problem,less algae,less biofilm.
raise the nitrate,like 5-10 so the plants feed on that instead of phosphate.
i watch one of her videos on the subject a year or two ago.
she says she does that,because they're imports and want's to get them out of that water quick.
at the time of the video,she said she stopped importing shrimp.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Edsal-72-in-H-x-48-in-W-x-24-in-D-5-Shelf-Steel-Commercial-Shelving-Unit-in-Black-UR-245WGB/202067997
that's what i have.
it can be made into two 3 foot high selves instead of one six foot.
sixteen 10's with plenty of overhead space.
i use 2x4's,but you can use a thick plywood if you want.
in hard water they can have a hard time getting the shell off and can die while trying.
it's 10 and above they have trouble.
a good molt happens in a split second,they just pop out.
it's rare to see one happen.
went to petco to get two 10;s,but decided to get two 5.5's they only had.
neither had a price tag.
$13.99 each for the 5's.
asked how much for 10's,$17.99.
i swear i saved 5 bucks few months ago on each 10 on the dollar per gallon sale.
i buy styrofoam from them.
$1.15 a box,can't beat that for pre cut.
insulation, - newspaper
boxes - uline 7x7 light weight (ships first class)
if not cold at the buyers address,i use a smaller box with a styrofoam coffee cup.