[Manwithnofish]

I am new to the hobby. I purchase and set up a new 70 gallon fresh water planted tank on February 16th. The tank measures 36” (left to right), 18” (front to back), and 25” (top to bottom). I started with fishless cycling using ammonia for the first week. Ammonia was from Wal-Mart and contained ‘chelating agents’. Hardness went through the roof so I did a 95% w/c and started over, cycling with 10 small fish. Fish are doing fine so far. I am at the end of the second week of cycling. Ammonia is 0.00, Nitrites are ranging 0.50 to 1.0, and Nitrates are usually at 5.00 or 10.00. Phosphates are 0.00. I have hard well water. The kH is 7 and the dH is usually around 15. The pH has fluctuated from 7.2 up to 8.4 (usually below 8.0). I have done several major water changes. Filtering with Fluval 405 (top 2 trays have BioMax, bottom 2 trays have carbon, ClearMax, and Pre-Filter). Lights are Tek-Lights 156 watts (T-5 HO), turned on 10 hours / day.

My problem is Fuzz Algae, sort of brownish in color and attaching to plants and objects. It flows in the water like hair. It’s not Thread or Brush Algae. I have been burning just half the lights (2 of the 4 lamps). Yesterday, I decided to turn all 4 lamps on to try to accelerate plant growth (to consume more nutrients and stave the algae). This morning the tank is very cloudy (with algae, I think). I don’t know if I should just keep doing what I’m doing and give it time to become established, or if I should start over or what. The Algae is taking over the tank and I need help.