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[tedfroop]

Water conditions:
Ammonia: 0
NitrItes: 0
NitrAtes: 10-20
GH: 2
PH: 7.2-7.4 w/o co2 running.
Changing 30% water weekly
Using Seachem Flourish tabs, Flourish weekly.
Growing Crypts, anubias, vals, limno (two types), rotala, java moss, hygrophilia

I have had a problem with beard alge for a while. Using Excel seems to accelerate the algel growth and not the plant growth.

Using diy CO2 stunts the alge growth and accelerates the plant growth.

Am I missing something in my water or do I have too much something in my water?

[Tech Support GL]

Flourish Excel is not an algaecide nor is it marketed as one, although some hobbyists have noticed a decrease in nuisance algae when dosing this product. At the recommended dose and dosing schedule Flourish Excel is a very beneficial carbon supplement for plants. Using Excel at the recommended dose will help the plants to grow and out compete algae.

You are doing regular water change and that is good.
Physical removal is one of the best one way to stop the spread of beard algae. The older leaves affected can be removed to promote new growth and the obvious removal of the algae. Another control method is to use an biological control such as a fish that will eat beard algae. Also controlling excess nutrients. Check your phosphate levels. Do not over feed the extra food can feed the algae , control sources of light.