Lighting, CO2, and Algae

Question
Hello.  I have a 63 gallon semi planted (about 25% total stocked)aquarium and I just added a CO2 system (JBL CO2 Set Easy 2).  The initial setup of the system required me to leave the CO2 on for 24 hours before turning it off at a rate of one bubble per 2 bends in the CO2 vario diffusion system.  When I tested my pH, I noticed a drop of 4 degrees in the past 48 hours (from 8.4 to 8.0).

Because of the rapid drop of pH I decided to lower the CO2 input to 1 bubble every 3 bends and remove my driftwood.  When I removed the wood I noticed green algae growing in the substate everywhere except under the driftwood, my guess is due to the lack of light.  My total light output is 152 watts for a duration of 14 hours.

Could I be possibly leaving my light on too long and if so what should the length be?  Also, am I adding too much CO2 too fast?  I regulate my KH with baking soda so my KH is between 6 and 10.  I definately plan on getting more plant life and darker substrate but want to keep my fish alive in the mean time.  Also, my plants look great since the CO2 addition.  Thanks

Answer
Dear Walkman,
Well, this question is a bit hard for me as I've never used CO2 injection in any of my planted aquariums. And it certainly is well-known that you can have a beautiful underwater garden without it. But since you are using it now I will try my best to help!

For the Algae problem 14 hours could be overdue for your aquarium. I would try to cut back to about 12 hours and see if that helps. Your aquatic plants should take over soon in using up the nutrients and light and starving the algae of it and the algae should be reduced greatly, if not eliminated.

Now about the CO2 there are basic guidelines for starting up a cylinder system. First open the regulator until the outlet pressure gauge reads 20 psi (pounds per square inch) now back off the pressure to about 12-15 psi. You should be getting a bubble of gas every few seconds. And it's always good to turn it off at night until you are certain you are maintaining the correct level.

I'm really sorry I couldn't be of any further help as I don't use Co2. But feel free to write if you have anymore concerns or if I missed anything as I will be happy to help or research the best I can!

Best wishes,
Karen~