Editing Openai/69461f48-2694-8000-89fd-c584fc058607 (section)

=== Assistant: That’s actually very normal for a 6-month-old, low-tech planted tank, especially with Easy Green. ===
That’s actually very normal for a 6-month-old, low-tech planted tank, especially with Easy Green. The good news is you don’t need big changes — just a small light and nutrient correction and the algae should fade over 2–3 weeks.

Below is a targeted fix based on your plants, light, depth, and fertilizer.

==== Why You’re Seeing Algae (Quick Diagnosis) ====

Green algae on rocks & leaves
* Slightly too much white light intensity for a non-CO₂ tank
* Peak window is fine, but total PAR is a touch high

Brown algae (diatoms)
* Common in tanks under 1 year
* Often tied to excess silicates + light imbalance
* Will naturally decline, but we can speed it up

==== Adjusted Fluval Plant 4.0 Schedule (Algae-Control Version) ====

👉 We’ll keep your sunrise/sunset exactly the same
👉 Reduce peak intensity ~10–15%
👉 Shift spectrum slightly warmer (plants like this, algae less so)

===== ☀️ New Peak (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) =====

| Channel    | OLD | NEW |
| ---------- | --- | --- |
| Cool White | 40% | 30% |
| Pure White | 40% | 30% |
| Warm White | 45% | 40% |
| Pink       | 30% | 25% |
| Blue       | 8%  | 5%  |

: This drops PAR without shortening your viewing time.

===== 🌤️ Midday Ramp (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) =====

Match these to the new peak values by 5 PM.

===== 🌇 Sunset (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) =====

Same ramp-down shape, just starting from the new lower peak.

==== Fertilizer Adjustment (Very Important) ====

Easy Green is good — just slightly overdosed for your setup.

===== Do this: =====
* Dose ½ the recommended amount, 2× per week - Example: Instead of 1 full dose weekly → ½ dose on Tuesday & Friday

Why this works:
* Keeps nutrients available
* Prevents nitrate/phosphate spikes that feed algae
* Matches low-light, no-CO₂ growth rate

==== Physical Algae Control (Short-Term Boost) ====

Do these for the next 2–3 weeks:
* 🪨 Scrub rocks lightly during water changes
* 🍃 Gently wipe algae off sword & Val leaves (don’t scrape Java fern hard)
* 💧 Increase water change to 30–40% weekly temporarily

==== Optional Helpers (Very Safe) ====

If you want natural assistance:
* Nerite snail (1–2 max for 15g)
* Amano shrimp (if compatible with your fish)

They’re excellent at green & brown algae without touching plants.

==== What to Expect ====
* Week 1: Algae stops spreading
* Week 2: Brown algae fades
* Week 3–4: New plant growth comes in clean

Do not keep lowering light every time you see algae — stability is key.

If you want, tell me:
* Exact Easy Green dose you’re using now
* Whether algae is worse on older or newer leaves

I can fine-tune this one last notch so it runs hands-off long term.