Hi Tom. In my last reply to you regarding algae advice (under the old
thread algae control poll), you said:

"Try adding proper CO2 levels and keeping that stable.
Do some weekly 50% water changes.

Dose good CO2 and nutrients levels and you will none have these
problems and much better plant growth as a result.
Staghorn and BBA are both red algae, but they are quite different
genera in most respects and their cause for blooming is also different.
Regards,
Tom Barr"

I have three further questions if you don't mind:

1- With 1.5 WPG (80W/55g), will extra CO2 make a significant difference? My
impression was that growth at this light level was primarily light-limited.
I have Java Ferns, Hornwort, assorted Vals (most gigantica), and some swords
(don't yet know sp.). Ph is around 7, kH 5.
2- Do I need to dose nutrients as per your typical recommendations (I've
been reading a lot of posts on the different aquatic plant forums and your
own page), and if not, why the large water changes? I have a high fish
load, including a 10-11" pleco (nature's biggest fertilizer producer!), so I
should have plenty of nutrients (even if I only feed once every 1-1/2 to 2
days).
3- Finally, could you elaborate on how Staghorn and BBA (or their genera)
are similar (same family?), yet different, and what their different causes
are?
I respect the respect you get around the 'net, so I don't mean to
challenge your knowledge. I just truly want to understand the problem and
the solutions so that I'm not just blindly following a formula. Thanks very
much,

Tony