You can't really test accurately unless you have an accurate test kit. Most of the ones a pet stores give you a pretty broad spectrum of results. You're using EI right? How much light do you have? Do you have a drop checker with 4kh solution to get a good guess of your CO2 levels? Quoting Tom Barr most algae problems are cause by lack of CO2, but I can't really give a good answer without knowing how much light you have?
Is there a plant club in Mississippi? Were starting one in Birmingham ,Alabama. I'd be happy to mail you some plants sometime when I have extra since you're not so far away. And if you like them you can me some back
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Hope that helps a bit,
Creighton