Lighting Question

[Myka]

Yes, he would definitely need some low-light fast growing plants (like Hygros) to out compete the algae, but that's not going to fix overpowering lights. Of course we don't actually know how big his tank is, being 30" deep it may be a fairly large tank in which case the 2xT5HO would probably be ok. Don't ever forget the fast growing plants though...unless you're experienced because it's quite a challenge to keep a planted tank algae-free with only slow growers.

It's all about keeping the balance between nutrients, light, and CO2. If he has low light, then he needs low CO2 and low nutrients. Although I have to find an amount of CO2 that is too much (within reason and during the photoperiod). I can say that EVERY time I have battled algae of one kind or another it has ALWAYS been CO2 too low in comparison to the light and nutrients, which can be as simple as having poor water flow to distribute the CO2.