Brown Algae

[KISSfn]

I have brown algae on all my plants. I use Flourish root tabs for the rooted plants. The 2 Java Ferns are attached to rocks with their rhizomes exposed. I was using liquid Flourish twice a week and Excel every day but it seemed to increase the algae so I stopped. I also have Seachem liquid Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron and Nitrogen in my arsenal if needed. I have two 54W 10K tubes and two 54W Actinic tubes. I have just decreased the lighting period from 12 to 8 hours a day last week. 2 of my 3 Eheims have Purigen in them (which is probably in need of a recharge). I have 1871 gph of flow. Both Powerheads run 15 hours a day. The 100 pounds of CaribSea Tahitian Moon sand was added 6 weeks ago. NH3 is at 0.003, pH 7.17, temp 79F. Fish are fed once a day (except Saturday) an amount finished in 5 minutes. I have a UV sterilizer. Any advice much appreciated!

 

[ZoddyZod]

has the algae appeared after you shortened the photo period from 12 to 8hrs, or did it occur before?

 

[KISSfn]

Before.

 

[ZoddyZod]

if the algae broke out whilst you had the lights on for 12hrs a day, I'd say that is the most likely culprit. Now that it has reduced to 8hrs you might find that it just goes away on its own.

 

[KISSfn]

Thanks!