Brown, Green and Red Algae in Nano

[Suavacado]

Hi Everyone,

I have been battling with Algae for such a long time. I do a water change every 3 weeks and replenish PhosGuard when I do. It's a 28G with feedings every other day. There is low Phosphate, but all other parameters are good.

https://imgur.com/a/Z0k3GZ4

It's not in direct sunlight, I always keep the left blind closed.

https://imgur.com/a/Kj3wBxo

Aside from using Algae-removing meds, is there anything I can do?

 

[psturg66]

What type of lighting are you using, what is your tank temp and what type of filtration?

 

[Suavacado]

I'm not sure on the lighting, the previous owner said it was upgraded from the JBJ stock
https://imgur.com/a/GtfEMe1

I have Seachem Purigen, ceramic and sponge in a media case HOB filtration.

 

[psturg66]

How long are you running the lights? Is the light, spectrum adjustable?

 

[lion king]

Have you thought about adding an algae reactor, this set up would be nice for your tank. https://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx_Algae_Reactor_Package_-AquaMaxx-UJ5355-FIFRAS-vi.html

 

[Suavacado]

I'm running the light from 11Am to 8PM. Maybe I should look into the algae reactor, but it seems pretty pricey. However, if it rids me of this problem - money well spent.

 

[Suavacado]

The lights have no adjustments at all.

 

[psturg66]

My suggestion, get a better light.

 

[psturg66]

Your light probably runs wide open the entire cycle. There are a few cheap lights out there that will allow you to customize your light cycle. I had an Aquatic Edge LED that did ok when I started out. I has programmed lighting that ramps up, runs it bright cycle then ramps down. I think changing your lighting will really help.

 

[Suavacado]

Does that mean that the lighting is promoting the algae growth by being too 'intense?' Should I keep it on for a shorter duration during the day?

 

[psturg66]

I'm not sure what type of light that is but if it is full on for 9hrs a day, it could be the culprit.