Dealing with Algae and High Numbers

[Ceej]

Just noticed some green algae spots. I've had brown diatoms for a long time, but I just wipe it off. There's a few Java Ferns and Lace Java Ferns, and also some Anubias. Low light tank with a T8 24" 17w bulb.

Parameters:

Amm- 0
Nitrites- 0
NitrAtes- 10ppm
pH- looks about 8.2ish
Alkalinity- 250kH
Hardness- 300gH

Horrible parameters, I know. The water in Indianapolis is very, very hard! I use Prime with my pwc's and dose Flourish Comp after the pwc is done.

Feeding habits have been crazy lately ever since I added two Keyhole Cichlids to the community tank of 5 Harlequin Rasbora and 4 Cherry Barb. I've increased to two times daily, morning and night, but they're light feedings.

Before I jump to the assumption that SAE's or Oto's will help, I want to know why the diatoms won't go away (not even with a blackout period of 3 days and 6 hrs of light) and why the green algae spots have popped up.

[fort384]

You may have silicates in your tap water which are feeding the diatoms. It is possible they will never go away.

What size tank are we talking about?

[Ceej]

It's a 29g tank