Algae on plants

[subvet]

Hi guys, I have a recently set up tank (3 months) and algae growth on my plants is giving me fits. My chems are all good, ph is a little high (7.8) and water is a little soft. I run 10 hours of grow light a day and then shut them off and go with regular day light. Plecos hardly ever come out to clean and the Siamese algae eaters don't really do too much. I hate using chems to treat algae, any suggestions?

[steven p]

Sounds like you have too long of a photoperiod.

[aznartist34]

What type of algae? Lower photoperiod.

[Darkblade48]

How much lighting do you have (and what kind)? Fertilization? CO2 injection? Also, a photograph would help us aid you in identifying your algae.

A 10 hour photoperiod is a bit long; I would try 8 hours.

[Edge12]

I am taking advantage of this existing thread, since I have a similar problem. My tank is just over 4 weeks old and I noticed brown algae on the plants this week. I thought the leaves were rotting at first, but do think it's algae. I have a stock Fluval Edge 12 gal tank, no enhancements. Lights are on about 12 or so hours per day. I just fertilized for the first time, yesterday -Leaf Zone, Flourish tabs, CO2 booster, and used slightly less than recommended amounts. Water quality is good, I change it each week and test a few times per week.

[Arusso713]

Your photo period is too long cut it down to 8hrs and at 4 weeks it is still a young tank and it could be going through its maturing process.

[Edge12]

Thanks for the feedback! Based upon other things I've read, I was hoping it was part of the tank maturing process. Also, given some opinions on the Edge 12 LED lighting not being sufficient to support plants, I was leaning towards longer photo periods. It looks like my results indicate otherwise.

[DaveMcKenz]

Edge12,
I don't see algae in your picture. Looks like a dying leaf.
Dave

[Edge12]

Thanks Dave! I know the photo isn't the greatest quality and I, too, thought it was more dying leaves. I also have that issue, but I do think that's the tank maturing. There is new growth on all the Bacopas, Anubias, and I've already split the Java Moss. These brown areas are on all the plants and appear slightly fuzzy.

[subvet]

Thanks for the advice regarding reducing the photoperiod. Since my tank is pretty deep (24") my rationale is that I need the extra time. I'm running a aquasun quad T5-HO 54W 48" light during the day and a little LED night light at night. I'm not injecting CO2 (yet). I'm adding liquid CO2 every day which I know isn't as good.