Wow I have exact same specs!
Flourite, redsea nano filter, diy co2, 27w light from HD (about 4" from tank). No heater or excel though.
I get regular green algae on the glass. I use just a credit card to scrape it off. It's about 2-3 months old. I've had algae growing on the glosso, but it's not too severe.
Today, I introduced 3 amano shrimp--they've been eating algae ever since. I say they're one of the best in controlling green algae.
I also have 2 really big pond bladder snails that do a good job on some algae and dead plant matter, although they have their limits in algae control.
Edit: I'm not sure about your puffer though--will probably kill the amano shrimp. Also have dwarf hairgrass--no problem in algae growing on it.
Also, water changes only do so much. It removes excess nutrients by diluting it. I think your photo-period is the main problem. Maybe try reducing it to 6-8 hours a day. Plants don't need a lot of light time, light intensity is more important. Any longer and it will not do any additional benefit for the plants, but the algae will benefit from the longer light hours. The trick is to create conditions where plants can outcompete algae.
I run mine 6-8 hours. Whenever I see algae, I just cut down on the lights, but keep the dosing regiment the same.
Flourite, redsea nano filter, diy co2, 27w light from HD (about 4" from tank). No heater or excel though.
I get regular green algae on the glass. I use just a credit card to scrape it off. It's about 2-3 months old. I've had algae growing on the glosso, but it's not too severe.
Today, I introduced 3 amano shrimp--they've been eating algae ever since. I say they're one of the best in controlling green algae.
I also have 2 really big pond bladder snails that do a good job on some algae and dead plant matter, although they have their limits in algae control.
Edit: I'm not sure about your puffer though--will probably kill the amano shrimp. Also have dwarf hairgrass--no problem in algae growing on it.
Also, water changes only do so much. It removes excess nutrients by diluting it. I think your photo-period is the main problem. Maybe try reducing it to 6-8 hours a day. Plants don't need a lot of light time, light intensity is more important. Any longer and it will not do any additional benefit for the plants, but the algae will benefit from the longer light hours. The trick is to create conditions where plants can outcompete algae.
I run mine 6-8 hours. Whenever I see algae, I just cut down on the lights, but keep the dosing regiment the same.
