Is this a deficiency or algae on my Java fern?

If you can wipe it off it's probably diatoms, which is a a type of algae.

Although the plant in general looks unhealthy. It definitely needs.....something.

Hard to say what, based on a single pic with limited info. Macros if I had to guess, or any of the mobile nutrients since older leaves are in the worse shape.

It's a 5g tank with 15 cfl bulb, and the lights run from 3-10

Diy co2 via citric acid/baking soda mix

PPS-Pro Dosing, 1.5ml macro mix everyday, 0.4ml trace elements everyday as well. I just looked at the post by Green Leaf Aquariums blog and started at the medium light recommendations, and from there increased dosing as I went along.

Can anyone help?

heyyyyy that's what my java fern looks like too.

Mine is definitely diatoms as I can wipe it off if i scrub my finger on it. I'm hoping it will go away over time.

PPS Pro is usually dosed at 1ml per 10 gallons. So I would dose at .5 ml per day of each. You may be overdosing on macro. Not sure what your water change frequency is.

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The Big Buddha said:

PPS Pro is usually dosed at 1ml per 10 gallons. So I would dose at .5 ml per day of each. You may be overdosing on macro. Not sure what your water change frequency is.

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50% water change every weekend.

Maybe I am off base......OP did not mention if it could be wiped off or not. If it can be, it's diatoms, but if it can't be, could it just be very old growth? I've noticed in my tank that some leaves get this after they have been in the tank for a long time while the new growth looks fine. I just need to solve the dilemma of my java fern growing out of the water.......