Algae issue

I have a fairly newly planted tank. Been dirted and up and running for a little over a month now. I have some ghost shrimp for looks but they just aren't cutting it. I also have some MTS and pond snails in there. However I am still having issues with diatoms and other algae. It isn't horrible on the glass but the plants all seem to have them on their leaves. I have two powerheads in there so circulation is not an issue. I was using too much light but I have very recently cut my hours back (didn't have a timer). I am now going to about 8 hours of light with an hour in between of dark for respiration. I heard that was good. I am going to be getting a hillstream loach and some cherry shrimp. Will this help my troubles?

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Permalink Reply by 2apes2gp667wr on October 30, 2011 at 10:14pm

Diatoms are an organism even though it is sometimes called brown algae. Check your phosphates. I bet they are high. Get a phosphate removing product.

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Permalink Reply by Hmoobthor on October 31, 2011 at 2:13pm

brown algae or dust algae comes from new tanks.

5Body is right.

I am experencing the same problem without dirt. I am trying to feed less and my MTS are clearing away some of it for me.

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Permalink Reply by Brent on November 1, 2011 at 7:47pm

Well I don't even know how to check for phosphates. I don't think I have seen that test kit anywhere. Mine only tests for ph, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. Also I only feed once a day and I don't think I over feed. There is never any food litter on the sand and anything that does reach the bottom is quickly picked up by my cory cats. My MTS have been kind of eradicated for the most part by my assassin snail.

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Permalink Reply by 2apes2gp667wr on November 1, 2011 at 7:54pm

Phosphates can be present in some sands as well as water. Everyone makes a phosphate test kit. Api, lamott etc. A petco/smart probably wont have it. Try a LFS. Also most LFS will check water samples for free. Just bring in a sample of your tank water. Can't hurt to try.

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Permalink Reply by Brent on November 5, 2011 at 10:58am

Okay so lets say my phosphates are high, what do I do about that other then water changes. Or is more frequent water changes the only answer?

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Permalink Reply by 2apes2gp667wr on November 5, 2011 at 11:20am

I would recommend a product by Seachem called Phosguard. It goes in a mesh filter bag & is put in your filter. It will remove the phosphates when they pass through. I've used it successfully.