Blue Green Algae

[dohntaut]

ok so i have had this tank set up for almost 8 months, and i have been having algae problems.
so i believe this is blue green algae. please verify.
what can i do to prevent this? im thinking its co2 fluctuations

i currently have no co2 system, it is a 15 gallon tank, with 2 flourecent 23 watt bulbs ( the regular household swirly kind ), my stocking is at 4 neon tetras, 2 xray tetras, and 3 amano shrimp(survivors from a recent ich infestation) i plan to restock the tank soon with something like 6 of each type of tetra and maybe a few extra shrimp. the lights are on for about 8-10 hours usually

i am thinking about setting up a yeast type co2 system, with an ebay glass diffuser (should come in a week or so). Would i be able to use the same recipe people use for 2 liter setups in a 1 gallon container. i just like how the 1 gallon container is more stable on my desk. i want to just use some thing like 1/4 teaspoon yeast, 2 cups sugar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
i believe that co2 fluctuations can cause algae, so would this help?
my tank stats are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10ppm nitrate, 7.6 ph

here are some pictures

 

[RadaR]

Instead of making things more complicated by adding CO2, tone it down a notch and lets simplify things.

Firstly, just by looking at the pics, I can tell that the plants are not healthy therefore dont stand a chance at combating algae. This is really how we combat algae, focus on the plants. Give them everything they need.

Secondly, BGA is an ammonia issue(concentrations can be slow low that they are undetecable) and LOW nitrate issue. And a low flow/circulation issue.

Plant out action:

Can you turn off one of the light tubes? Less light is easier and the plants demand less.
Manually remove as much BGA as you can.
Siphon the gravel.
Make sure the filter isnt clogged with debris and waste. Change the filter floss.
Ensure the filters flow is working properly.
You've probably already done this by doing the gravel clean however...perform 50% water change.
Cover the tank up for 3days (no peaking). Run an airstone if you can, or raise the filter slightly. The fish will be fine without food. Make sure that what ever you cover the tank up with, it does not let light in.
Meanwhile, order yourself some fast growing plants like Hygrophila, Ludwigia, Hornwort etc.

After the 3 day black out, unveil the tank.
Perform another 50% water change.
Add loads of new fast growing plants.
Add micro nutrients (Seachem Flourish) after every water change. Water change should be 10-25% weekly, performed when the lights are off. So before the lights come on, or after they go off.

See how things go for a few weeks.

 

[dohntaut]

thanks for the detailed reply, i will go ahead and do what you have said, i believe a lot of it was water circulation, i had a piece of plastic to reduce the water current because i used to have a betta and the current would push him around. but now i can remove it. i also had an ich problem recently and i turned up the heater to help fight it, but i think that may have caused some of the plants to suffer(84 degrees or so).

as for the fast growing plants, i know that my lfs does not carry any of those that you have mentioned, so i will try ordering them online