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Brown algae problems

2K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  Angel079 
#1 · (Edited)
I have a tank that has been up and running for 8 months now. It is cycled and all that fun stuff. I recently had an issue with brown algae pop up full blown... on the plants only. Not on the decor or walls surprisingly. My water always tests in the appropriate levels. I have an Amazon Sword and two Crypt Wentdii that ahve been in the tank and doing fantastic for about 6 months. I use Flourish excel daily, and Kent Pro plant as recommended. I give the tank 12 hours of light (as what I was told to do with the Amazon Sword). I have a pleco... but it's starting to cover the plant leaves more. Currently I have been wiping the leaves as needed. Hopefully someone can give me some advice. Thanks!

Oh and the tank is at a constant 79-80 degrees.
 
#2 ·
What kinda light are you using there (eg Sunlight, Daylight, Plantlight?) And what wattage over what sized tank?

Had you started the Excel AFTER the BB started growing? Overdosing with Excel for a period of time will eliminate it, as well as Siamese Algae eater will also eat it (thou I'd pref pers to use Excel then adding more fish).

Also check where at its growing most, often adjusting your water flow will help it too. Mostly it starts growing in "dead" areas where you have little to no flow.
 
#3 ·
It is a 10 watt daylight cfl for a 5 gallon tank (eclipse corner 5)... I don't think I can adjust the filter flow. I noticed it is the top of the plants and not the base near the substrate. I have used excel off and on for the past 3 months but not daily the whole time. How much would you dose the tank with daily? I use just a small amount now because I was afraid oding would hurt the tank. I did cut the light time down and decreased the temprature to 78/79. I noticed it started becoming more of a nusance when I had the tank @ 80 more ( it used to be 79 more than 80)... Does temperature effect brown algae? The Pleco is cleaning the base, decor, and walls till they are spotless he just won't get this other algae for some strange reason.
 
#4 ·
These Co2 swings with using & not using the Excel just makes it thrive.
So ensure to do it DAILY, each day same time eg. every Am or every PM.
I really in all my research and own exp had not seen a increased or decreased BB growths based of temp.
The normal Excel recommended dose is 5ML for 10g - Right?
So you have a 5g, which would make it 2.5ML I'd start it out at 2.8-3ML each day for at least 2 weeks and see where this goes, but make sure to use every day. (best done using a syringe -w/out needle- you can find that kinda stuff at WalMart where the kids meds are, anything that allows you to properly measure ML will do).
On a side note, I'd also dial down the lights to 10hrs/day personally.
 
#8 ·
The normal Excel recommended dose is 5ML for 10g - Right?
So you have a 5g, which would make it 2.5ML I'd start it out at 2.8-3ML each day for at least 2 weeks and see where this goes, but make sure to use every day.
I think this is the recommend dosage on initial use or after major WC...I think it's 5mL per 50 or 60 gal for daily/every other day use. I can't get up and check because my dog is very comfy on my lap. I just know I use half a capful for my 29 gallon and three capfuls after my water changes twice weekly.
 
#5 ·
I knocked the light down to 8 hours a day... You think that 8 hours is too little? I will start the flourish tonight. Thanks for the advice!
 
#6 ·
I can tell you plants need at least 6 consecutive hrs per day. I'd pers find 8 a lil too lil and would do 10 and keep it there.
Do that, start the Excel, keep up a pr roper weekly w/c and see where this get's you in maybe 2 weeks time. I'm sure you'll see decreasing affects sooner thou.
 
#7 ·
Okay, thanks!
 
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