Algae identifying help

[Dcon89]

Hello, I have a fluval evo 13.5 and recently I have had some algae growth. I think it could be cyano or dino, its brown and stringy but has no bubbles. I have tried a blackout which did nothing, i turned my flow up,and even limited feeding and still no results. I was thinking about trying Vibrant because this tank doesn't have alot of space for a protein skimmer or a UV sterilizer. I have also heard you can raise your PH but I don't to make the tank even more unstable.

Ph : 7.9
Nitrate : 0
Temp : 80
50% water changes weekly

 

[brmreefer]

I recommend raising your NO3 slightly. Zero nitrates is not good. I target 5 ppm for my system by dosing it.

 

[Dcon89]

Should I cut back to a 25 % water change a week?

 

[brmreefer]

Should I cut back to a 25 % water change a week?

It wouldn't hurt. Make sure to monitor weekly. Test for changes, and adjust accordingly. Still recommend dosing, but that is personal perference.

 

[Dcon89]

I was thinking about dosing, what product do you use to raise yours? I was thinking about getting my water lab tested then start dosing everything I'm lacking.

 

[brmreefer]

I dose potassium nitrate. An ICP is a great way of knowing the systems parameters and problems areas.