Amazon Swords, Hair Algae, Wisteria. Need help.

doki

Ever since I gave away 2 of my otos I had an increase in hair algae and I can't find any otos at any lfs nearby.

http://i48.tinypic.com/2zf2v4j.jpg

Amazon swords have cuts in some of the leaves and are getting holes. The algae won't go away so far I have tried overdosing Flourish Excell which does seem to help stop the algae.

Amazon Sword hole in leaf: http://i47.tinypic.com/10pwspe.jpg
Wisteria Algae: http://i47.tinypic.com/wqsbo7.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/w859gh.jpg
Micro Sword Algae: http://i45.tinypic.com/2czstp5.jpg

Byron

I have myself dealt with the issues I see in the photos. There is a nutrient imbalance, easy to fix. But first, a couple questions.

What fertilizers if any are you using, and how often?
What is the GH of your water (tap)?
Detail the light (type, watts, duration, and tank size).

The algae is due to the light, and this means the nutrients are not sufficient to balance the light--either intensity or duration or both. Adding Excel will only make this worse, since it is adding carbon. It may or may not affect the algae, but the plants will still worsen so the main issue is getting the nutrient imbalance rectified.

I would not use Excel if it were me, ever. You can read why in post #5 in this thread:
New 55g planted community tank
API CO2 Booster and Excel are the same chemical base.

Byron.

doki

I don't use any fertilizers.
My water is low alkaline.

I leave the light on from 7-10 hours a day sometimes I get home from work late however I ordered an automatic light timer from amazon its supposed to come on wednesday.
48 watt t5HO on a 20 gallon high.

Byron

That is intense light with no nutrients, hence the algae. Easily fixed. A bottle of Flourish Comprehensive Supplement made by Seachem, or FlorinMulti made by Brightwell Aquatics. It doesn't take much, for a 20g about 1/2 a teaspoon twice a week of whichever. Make sure you get the specific product named, as both manufacturers make other products under these names. And I would stop the Excel.

For the larger swords in the photos, the the left rear corner, substrate tabs would help. Seachem make these, called Flourish Tabs. A package of 10, you use one every 2-3 months inserted into the gravel between the swords. This will make quite a difference. The liquid is still needed, and alone it will help, but these swords, Echinodorus bleherae, are heavy feeders and given your light I would use the tab as well.

I don't know the GH [Alkalinity is the KH] but I will assume you have sufficient for plants. If you have very soft water this might be an issue, but with soft to medium hard it will be OK. I don't see evidence of very soft water (lack of calcium) in the swords in the photos, so I think the GH is probably adequate.

Byron.

doki

Wow! this post is just what i was asking for thank you so much Byron I will order these products after my next paycheck.