Advice on dealing with the beginnings of staghhorn algae?

[MsMarvel]

I have a 40 gallon low tech planted tank and I have started encountering the beginnings of some staghorn algae recently. It is still pretty minor and is just showing up on the edges of some leaves and I have noticed a couple thin strands on the glass, but I want to be proactive about it before it becomes more of a nuisance. I know Excel can be used to deal with staghorn and it is something I am considering, but I am leaving for a 2 week vacation on Friday so I won't be here to really do much about this. It has been developing quite slowly so it should be about the same by the time I return. Does anyone have any recommendations on what I should do about this situation (even if it has to wait till I get back)?

Here are some pictures of what it looks like:

 

[dcutl002]

Staghorn algae is caused by:

1. Low CO2
2. Poor circulation
3. Too much light

Since you do not inject CO2, I would recommend lowering the photoperiod. For example, if your photoperiod is 8 hours per day, try lowering it to 7 hours per day. You can also try raising the light higher above the aquarium.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099KQBCRM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

or if your light has an intensity setting...lower the intensity.

Secondly, you may try a circulation pump.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KF13GR...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Or this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Sea-Circulation-Pump-Aquarium/dp/B009XSGI3S/ref=sr_1_19?crid=1VI0BUBLYMDTN&keywords=eheim+circulation+pump&qid=1655160022&sprefix=eheim+circulation+pump,aps,230&sr=8-19

And lastly, you can dose Excel according to manufacturer's instructions.

 

[MsMarvel]

Staghorn algae is caused by:

1. Low CO2
2. Poor circulation
3. Too much light

Since you do not inject CO2, I would recommend lowering the photoperiod. For example, if your photoperiod is 8 hours per day, try lowering it to 7 hours per day. You can also try raising the light higher above the aquarium.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099KQBCRM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

or if your light has an intensity setting...lower the intensity.

Secondly, you may try a circulation pump. https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Sea-C...prefix=eheim+circulation+pump,aps,230&sr=8-19

And lastly, you can dose Excel according to manufacturer's instructions.

So when I noticed it start that was the first thing I did actually. Lowered the photo period by a couple hours and lowered the light intensity. It seems to he working to stop it from growing much past this, but what's there is staying. As far as the circulation pump goes, I would like to get a power head to fit to one of my sponge filters, but the main criteria I have for it are that A: It is or can be made shrimp safe, B: Is strong enough to up my flow, but not so strong that it makes it hard for my shrimp to swim, and C: It is quiet as the tank is in my bedroom. Any recommendations on a good brand for a power head that would meet those requirements?

 

[dcutl002]

Sorry, I do not use powerheads. Maybe someone else will chime in. Here is the circulation pump that I have. It has an adjustment for flow and it is very quiet.