Possible Algae Issue?

[Hayden93]

Possible Algae Issue?

A few of my plants have this brown/black residue. Could someone give me any advice on what could be causing this possible algae issue?

Tank Size: 260 litres (68 Gallons)
Lighting: Fluval Aquasky LED 2.0 33 WATTS 145cm long
Light Cycle: 9 hours
Fertilisers: Flourish Iron every other day 6.4ml. Flourish Potassium every other day 10ml. Flourish Nitrogen every 3 days 4ml. Easy-Life Profito plant fertiliser every day 3.6ml.
Water Change: 25% every 14 days.
Filtration: AllPondSolutions 1000 L/H Canister
C02: Injecting C02 on timer.
I also have a powerhead and two air stones.
Water Temp:25c (77f)

Thanks

 

[ZxC]

Reduce light intensity if possible.
Reduce photoperiod to 5 hours per day max (until algae has subsided, then slowly increase back up to 8 hours per day over a few weeks).
Ensure you are providing adequate nutrients for the plants (unhealthy plants promote algae).
Dose Flourish Excel or equivalent Met14 at the “after water change” rate on the Excel bottle once per day.
Manually remove all algae you can.
Manually remove excess organics in the tank by gravel vacuuming and cleaning filter media in old tank water every water change.
Manually remove any decaying or dead plant matter.
Increase water change frequency, and the amount of water changed.
Consider spot treating badly affected areas or dipping plants / hardscape in a Flourish Excel, Met14 or H2O2 + water solution. Google search which method you think would work well, and for general ratios to mix a safe solution. Certain plants can’t tolerate these chemicals, so ensure you do a little research prior to dipping / spot treating plants.
If using CO2, ensure CO2 is dropping the pH of the tank water a full 1.0 – 1.2. To do this, measure the pH of tank water with no CO2 dissolved in it, and then measure again 2-3 hours after CO2 has been running. Ensure the drop in pH is a full 1.0-1.2. If the drop is not there yet, slowly up CO2 over a few weeks until at least a 1.0 drop is achieved, and watch fish / livestock carefully. Adjust CO2 down if you notice fish gasping at the surface and consider running an airstone at night when pushing a 1.2 or greater drop. For example, a tank water pH of 7.5 with no CO2 dissolved in it, should reach a pH of 6.5 – 6.3 for CO2 to really shine, and for maximum plant health.
Consistency in CO2 levels is key to plant health. Keep CO2 levels as stable as possible once a desirable level has been reached.

 

[Flyfisher]

Hi Hayden93,
I am new to this site but will offer some advice.
My understanding is 8 hours of daylight is the recommended maximum.
I believe 25% water changes every 14 days is likely not enough to keep nitrates at a low level. Over time the nitrates will increase I believe. Only a water test will tell in the nitrates are rising. Many people believe 40 ppm to be a safe level for nitrates with fish. That may however be high enough to encourage algae growth? As you are adding nitrogen in a bottle as well as other fertiliser I suggest this is part of the problem as well as the duration of lighting ? I do not clam to have found a magical balance in my tanks for an extended amount of time but have had limited success for a few minutes not months.

I believe I see black beard algae forming on the edges. At least that is what I call it. I have a species of fish the siamese algae eater know for eating black beard that eats that from my Anubias. There are bottled chemical products one can buy as well as stopping all light for a few days. A blackout.

I am interested to see what others on this site have to say about your algae.

 

[Hayden93]

Hi Flyfisher, thanks for the advice.

I definitely think I need to increase my water changes. Go with a 50% weekly see how that goes. The main reason I add nitrogen is because of my nirite and ammonia reading of 0.

I am also interested in trying the black out approach. I will keep you posted with the results.

Siamese algae eaters are great! I have a few myself

Thanks again