What else but algae problems

[Bad Inferno]

I've been battling this hair algae for 2 months ....just keeps comming back, even have some small gravel stones it is growing on which I now syphon out. Should I just take out all plants and run the tank for 1 months then re-plant ?

12 watt UV on 24 hrs / day ( 11 months old maybe time for a new bulb)
60 watts, 200 litres for 9 hrs / day
pH stablised at 6.4 ph with controleld CO2, 1 deg KH
I use the cheap Aqua-force plant food...


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[duck]

What are your Nitrate level's?
You need to double the amount of light.
Taking the plant's out for 1 month is not going to do anything.

[Stuart]

You should be ecouraging plant growth since they will out-compete the algae for nutrients.

Otherwise you might consider adding such nutrient aborbing plants as mossballs and java moss.

[Bad Inferno]

I just purchased a nitrate test kit, Aquarium science and have a reading of 40ppm

I did put 30 ml plant fert in my tank this morning, do not know if this increases NO3

Thought it was high so tested tap water = 0

[Bad Inferno]

A little more info

5 medium discus in 200 litres
30% WC every 4 days

29 deg C
Ammonia 0
PH 6.5, KH 2-3 = CO2 20ppm
Nitrate 40ppm

[duck]

What is your KH 1-2-3.
Increase the CO2 to aleast 30ppm,If you can increase the lighting.
Your KH a little low might want to up it a bit.

[Bad Inferno]

Thanks Duck,

KH was between 2 to 3 colour just started to change at 2 drops so maybe better saying KH = 2.5

I have a very precise pH controller (using an industrial pH controller) running CO2 injection. I use KH powder,1 teaspoon per 60 litres when I water change. I will look at increasing this over the comming weeks.

I have increased my light from 9 hrs to 12hrs and have all three lights running now.

Was my Nitrate high at 40ppm. ? I know I am probably at the limit of fish per tank size.

[Benny]

For discus id say thats well outside their comfort zone......

[Bad Inferno]

how do I reduce it, more water changes ? I already thoguht I did enough of those 30% every 4 days

[OscarManAlpha]

Do you mean Aquasonic plant food if so that is no problem.

If you are using another brand does it contain phosphate ?

What bunch plants do you have ?

Can you post a pic of the entire tank.