[Wet Thumb Forum]-Brown Algae control

[Erirku]

So I have had an established 15G tank for over 6 months. The only problem I see is brown algae forming on my crinum calamistratum leaves, so everyweek when I do a WC I scrub the leaves to get rid of the brown algae, but it seems to keep coming back? Someone told me to add more carbon to get rid of the diatom molecules. So I went an bought Seachems seagel. It said it removes phosphates and silicates, but not really working? What does it mean by phosphate buffer? I do currently have an odyssea T5 lighting with about 28W. The one bulb is 12,000k and the other is actinic bulb, which I will be replacing to a 6700k bulb. I also leave the lights off during the day, because the tank is in my room and I live in Hawaii and its so DAMN HUMID I don't want to cook my tank. But when I come home I leave the lights on for 3-8 hrs aday, it really depends on the schedule of the week. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Erirku]

So I have had an established 15G tank for over 6 months. The only problem I see is brown algae forming on my crinum calamistratum leaves, so everyweek when I do a WC I scrub the leaves to get rid of the brown algae, but it seems to keep coming back? Someone told me to add more carbon to get rid of the diatom molecules. So I went an bought Seachems seagel. It said it removes phosphates and silicates, but not really working? What does it mean by phosphate buffer? I do currently have an odyssea T5 lighting with about 28W. The one bulb is 12,000k and the other is actinic bulb, which I will be replacing to a 6700k bulb. I also leave the lights off during the day, because the tank is in my room and I live in Hawaii and its so DAMN HUMID I don't want to cook my tank. But when I come home I leave the lights on for 3-8 hrs aday, it really depends on the schedule of the week. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Hawkeye]

Has the brown algae all ways been a problem or just started in the passed month or so? I fine that brown algae is a sign of not enough light or bulbs getting weak. You might try increasing your light by an hour. If that doesn't help go a head and replace your bulbs. The 6700K bulbs are better for plant growth. That will help out allot.

Hawk

[Erirku]

Brown algae has been a problem for awhile. Maybe after I setup my tank, it started to bloom maybe 2 months after and I just can't get rid of it . Well one of the bulbs got really dim so I had to get that replaced and now I want to get the actinic bulb replaced too.

[Hawkeye]

I think changing your bulbs will be a big first step in getting things back into balance. I like 9325K and 6700K these have worked will for me. I am sure others have their own preference.

Hawk