Brush Algae Help!!!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Busdriver69

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 1, 2010
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In A Van Down By The River

I have had my 55 gallon running for a few weeks now and I amstarting to see brush algae start to form on the leaves of all my plants. Ihave some Anubis and a couple different types of swords. My tank is set up withan Eheim 2217 filter and a 4ft double t5ho bulb light fixture. It’s set up as acommunity tank and has one bristle nose pleco. I am running the lights forabout 4-6 hours a day. The tank does get a little bit of sunlight also. Thetank is at a constant 79 degrees. I add nitrates after every weekly waterchange. What should I do about my brush algae problem? I’m very worried and donot want to lose my plants! I am going to add some Siamese Algae Eaters as soonas I can find some! Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated!
 
Up the CO2 lower the photo period, fertilize with K and P also. Add some ottos too they eat all types of algae and are easier to find than SAEs
 
Ottos will only eat soft algaes. They won't touch BBA. Lowering the photo period won't help either. The plants are already being starved for light with only 4-6 hours. They need 10-12 ideally. What type of light are you using?
As lipadj said, you need to add some carbon, either in the form of CO2 or Flourish Excel. Some fast growing stem plants are also essential in new setups while the tank gets established. Try and find some hygro to add in there.
 
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