the algae generator... yes, trying to grow more algae...

[Magnum Man]

this has been running for at least 6 months, it's in my Hillstream tank, and they eat everything it's growing.... I have 2 - 18 inch LED plant light sticks on a side of the tank, right against the glass, with a line of lucky bamboo, about 1.5 inches from that side glass, allowing the fish to swim behind it, the light grows algae on both the glass, and the back side of the lucky bamboo... the bamboo keeps the glaring light from being obnoxious to look at, and the lights are on for 12 hours during the day... there is a large number of grazing Hillstream's in this tank, and they keep the glass, and the bamboo relatively clear of algae.. there is a steady stream of fish that go back there to eat... it's worked out well since I started it...

it's on the right side, behind the bamboo... lights on...

 

[Uberhoust]

When I first started back into fish keeping I read about these systems similar to yours where they use strong light in a small area to encourage algae growth as a means to reduce nutrient loading. Sounds like you are using a similar method to feed the fish.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Excess ferts would also do the trick. Basically, when there is an imbalance between light/ferts/CO2 which is needed for any planted tank, the algae take advantage and go into higher gear.

My guess is excess ferts to encourage algae are cheaper than the electricity cost of an extra light? However, excess ferts would encourage the algae every where not just in a specific location.