Plant Destruction...

I would suggest stop using the excel in the tank with the vals since it is known to melt them.

Give the specs on the tank. Size, lighting, CO2?

There can be many reasons for this. Either to much light, not consistant CO2 levels, Need of CO2. If it was a mild case I would suggest a amano shrimp or SAE because I don't think Oto's eat every algae like the 2 I just listed.

I think we need more info about your light- 2 bulbs really doesn't give us enough info. I 30 gallon is 36" long, right? are the bulbs traditional florescents with pins at both ends? or the skinny t-5s which look just like them only skinnier? or the compact florescents (which have double tubes and a single point of attachment). How long are the bulbs- if you describe them we can figure out which type you have

if they are not growing well, replacing them will probably be a waste of time until you figure out what the problem with these are. Once we figure out the problem, then you can toss them and replace them.

What he said. If none of these throws up any red flags you might want to test for Nitrates or Phosphates. Which can be caused by overfeeding and algae can form from that too.

bradlgt21 said:

What he said. If none of these throws up any red flags you might want to test for Nitrates or Phosphates. Which can be caused by overfeeding and algae can form from that too.

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i'm calling red flag on this one. we need to stop spreading the myth that plant nutrients are the cause of algae in f/w planted tanks.

quite frankly we need to know everything you're dosing and your levels (as many as you can test).

turbo is right on the lighting and what not also.

my question is what is inadequate (not enough) in your tank?

if your lighting is low light i'd stick to ei dosing but maybe halve it and go from there.

it is probably time to do some shopping at the right place... www.aquariumfertilizer.com

kno3, kh2po4 and plantex would be the norm and a minimum imo if you're trying to beat algae out. k2so4 might be a good idea but is often unnecessary... more than likely unless your lighting is pretty high.

check your gh... under 2dgh and you'll want barr's gh booster also.

start with that and correct lighting, maybe add riiz's root tab recipe (great for root feeders like vals) and you should be good to go.

good luck... algae is not fun!

so your saying to high of phosphate levels won't create algae blooms? And I dose ferts too.

my friend,the answer to your black algae problem is the bristlenose pleco(ancistrus sp.).they will scrub plants,wood,stones,etc. without harming your plants.just supplement their diet with zuccini,yellow squash,etc.and make sure there is some driftwood(i prefer malaysian)as they will rasp it to gain a digestive enzyme they need.they are cool little characters too...good luck

If by "black algae" you are referring to BBA then I have NEVER seen a BN even touch the stuff.