Sponge filter: increased algae and plants drooping

[NadiaG]

I have a 10 gal freshwater tank with a few plants in there and tetras. I run an aqueon hob filter with added ceramic media in an emptied from carbon filter cartridge.

Everything was doing well and then I though to experiment and add an additional filtration unit. So I went with DIY modified sponge filter powered by the bubbler. I also made it so the water and air passes thru ceramic media to improve the biological




It's been about 2 weeks now and I notice a significant increase in algae and my ludwigia repens started to droop and drop leaves and turning brown.

My question is: what's going wrong and why?

Thanks


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[Brookster123]

Gassing off water ever co2 is present in the water??

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[NadiaG]

So is it a bad thing, should I stop using that sponge filter?

I add Flourish Excel in small dose every other day


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[Brookster123]

So is it a bad thing, should I stop using that sponge filter?

I add Flourish Excel in small dose every other day


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That's not going to do much, excel should be dosed daily, .5ml/gal. Before lights on.. how long have the plants been growing prior to air bubbler addition?

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[NadiaG]

I have plants for about a year now


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[gilpi]

I don't think an additional filter is the culprit. Something else you did or didn't do? Lighting time, less ferts, not keeping up water changes? Things can change very quick in a 10 gallon.

 

[NadiaG]

Nope, nothing else was changed: lights are on timer, PWC are religiously performed on Sundays, same with ferts.


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