Brown algae constantly coming back

[Irecruitfish]

Tank is almost a year old. I live the top lights on for 9 hours a day for the Pothos and they're thriving.

But my anubias have all but died. Frogbit disintegrated. Crypts slowing withering away. I don't leave the fluval tank lights on much. Only when I feed the fish.

I'm ok with fake plants because the 2 ft fire eel disrupts everything anyways but this unslightly brown algae is something I want to get rid of.

I don't dose any fertilizers etc. Do I need Seachem Excel?

Tank is 210 gallons.

I'm trying to do a better job of wiping the brown algae away during the weekly water change

 

[Fishman Dave]

Not an expert on this by any means but from what I have read/ am aware of:-
What is the water quality like your using for your water changes. Brown diatom algae is more common in newly setup tanks and usually sorts itself out. But it can be brought on by increased silicates in the water supply. It is one of those algae which can be decreased by increasing light but I would think that 9 hrs a day was already enough.

 

[Irecruitfish]

Not an expert on this by any means but from what I have read/ am aware of:-
What is the water quality like your using for your water changes. Brown diatom algae is more common in newly setup tanks and usually sorts itself out. But it can be brought on by increased silicates in the water supply. It is one of those algae which can be decreased by increasing light but I would think that 9 hrs a day was already enough.

Water quality is perfect.... I am on well water but I do have water softening equipment etc. I do have black diamond blasting sand which I think might be the silicate issue.

I'll try turning on the tank lights more offense and cutting down the grow light to 7 hours a day.

I'll do a deep cleaning tomorrow which I try to avoid putting my hand in there so often because I don't want to get bit which has happened in the past but I have to just do it.