Help! Brown Algae Returns

As you'll most likely find, phosphates aren't your problem. Too many nutrients isn't your problem either. If anything too little and a lack of balance due to limitation is the issue.

Get your self acquainted with your water column, and what needs to be in it for plants to grow. Here's a good start:

http://www.barrreport.com/estimative-index/62-estimative-index-dosing-no-need-test-kits.html

Aim for the nutrient levels listed here, figure out how you want to achieve them. The article gives you one method, but there are many ways to do it.

At the same time, if silicates are the cause, find the source. Water quality reports are good, though substrate can also cause the issue.

CO2 may still be an issue when you've got it all sorted; CO2 takes work. I've got a 28 gal that's about a week or two old now, and I'm still toying with distribution and maintaining proper levels despite having experience with it already.

-Philosophos

 

Hi Peter,

What Philosophos says.

If silicates are the problem, even if you only strongly suspect silicates, I recommend you run a product like Chem-Pure Elite in your filter for a bit. Be careful about messing with the substrate, especially if you are using sand.

Biollante