Algae in 2 week old cycling tank

[TankMan7]

I just set up a 20 long planted shrimp tank and it is cycling (fishless). My ammonia is 0, nitrites are high (3+), nitrates are 40 this morning (20 yeaterday) and phosphate is 2. I have co2 and high light 10 hours a day. I am getting some long stringy algae (a few 6" threads even). Any suggestions?

 

[Jkeating8]

What light are you using?

 

[TankMan7]

I have one current USA LED+ and one duel t5 36 watt fluorescent. One 6500k and one 10000k bulb.

 

[Jkeating8]

I have one current USA LED+ and one duel t5 36 watt fluorescent. One 6500k and one 10000k bulb.

That's a lot of light. Too much. The dual T5 should be enough by itself. That's probably why you're getting algae. You can try dosing liquid carbon at 1 ml per 2 gallons and see if that helps.

 

[TankMan7]

I dose liquid carbon 3ml a day. I have a lot of light for the baby tears. Do you think it is even too much for them? I appreciate the input.

 

[TankMan7]

I'll give that big dose of liquid carbon a try and maybe reduce my photo period a bit?

 

[Jkeating8]

I dose liquid carbon 3ml a day. I have a lot of light for the baby tears. Do you think it is even too much for them? I appreciate the input.

it's not too much, but it's a bit excessive. Dosing liquid carbon like that everyday will definitely help. I would bring down the photoperiod to 6 hours until you get the algae to go away.

 

[TankMan7]

Sounds like a plan. Should I do that big dose of Excell every day until the algae is under control?

 

[Jkeating8]

Sounds like a plan. Should I do that big dose of Excell every day until the algae is under control?

Yeah, I dose that much everyday just to keep my tank in balance.

 

[TankMan7]

Excellent. Thanks!

 

[Jkeating8]

Excellent. Thanks!

Welcome

 

[Rcguerra]

Put the timer for your lights for a 6 hour cycle and you will be fine within 2 weeks (dosing carbon as suggested)

 

[TankMan7]

Thanks! I appreciate the help.