what is causing bruised plants??? (pics)

[dsubaru]

I've been noticing some problems with my stemmed plants. The all appear to have creases/bruises on them. I've even noticed some on new growth not just the old leaves. I don't think there are any fish in the tank causing harm below are pics and tank details. What is likely cause for this happening.

29gal
2x18w T-5 fixtures.
substrate-fluorite
ferts-IE dosing
tank setup time-3months
DIY CO2
filtration
livestock-1 betta, 3 cherrybarbs, 3 leopard danios, chinese algae eater,
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thx in advance for any advice...

 

[Sab_Fan]

can't be sure, but could be the early stages of brown algae (?)

 

[Adhlc]

How long is the light on?
How long have you been dosing using the EI method and what's your schedule like?
How often are you doing water changes and how large of a change do you typically do?

 

[dsubaru]

I leave the light on for about 8hours and 1 hour in the morning while im getting ready for work..
I was using a store bought fert and changed over to EI about 3 weeks ago. I use the following routine but instead of 3x a week its more like 2x... I've only done a couple water changes since I've started EI. but I will probably do a water change every other week since I'm not really overdosing on the ferts being that I'm dosing 2x a week.

20-40 Gallon Aquariums
+/- ¼ tsp KN03 3x a week
+/- 1/16 tsp KH2P04 3x a week
+/- 1/2 tsp GH booster once a week(water change only)
+/- 1/16 tsp (5ml) Trace Elements 3x a week
50% weekly water change

 

[Adhlc]

Like sab_fan said, it's hard to tell exacttly what's happening. If it is early stages of an algae break out I may be able to help.

With EI dosing it's very important you do 50% weekly water changes otherwise all those nutrients just create algae. If you're following your regime closely and dose the same amount every day and do your water change on the same day you should be alright. However if algae still persists, you may need to cut back the amount you're dosing, like 1/8 KNO3 instead of 1/4.

When I first started using the Estimative Index method, I found some one else's regime online and mimicked that. However I quickly found out that just because it worked for some one else with the same size tank, it wasn't working for me. I've found it's much easier to fix an under-dosing problem, than an overdosing problem..

Is there any way you could snap a few more pictures, perhaps without flash?

 

[dsubaru]

update... It appears that the EI dosing is helping.. Older leaves are still holding up well, and there is a lot of new growth. There is some growth of BBA which I've been dosing and hopefully I'll eradicate it if possible.. been od'ing the algae with excel.. new new pics yet but I'll post some soon.

 

[msjinkzd]

glad to hear it, a little late, but i found this diagram which may be helpful for someone: