Hi Chris

here is a link to a table that compares the nutrients found in Flourish Comprehensive, TMG and CSM&B.

Fertilizer Comparison

Haven't deep cleaned most of the substrate in a while, would have to uproot plants to do it but I do vacuum the surface of the substrate each week and deep clean the sections I can get to. For now I will continue to keep the tank and filters clean, have upped my Excel dosing slightly and have cut back just a bit on KNO3 to compensate for the increased fish waste from the recently added dozen Cardinals. I reduced the dose by about a 1/16th of a tsp starting with Saturdays water change and so far have not found any more thread algae. It was minimal anyway but my goal is to make sure I don't get a full blown infestation. The tank has been doing really well since I started EI so as long as I avoid making large drastic or continuous changes I feel confident that things will be alright. Will keep at the reduced KNO3 level for about 3 weeks and observe the tank carefully before trying anything else. All part of the learning process and I agree totally that the last thing I should do is stop adding ferts.

thanks
Steve