The Puffer Forum

All plants need nitrate so if you don't have any then it stands to reason that you're plants will starve and algae will take over. If you're not adding CO2 or regular ferts then I'd suggest reducing the light that you have over the tank. Are your lamps 2,700K? Maybe 6,500K daylight lamps would have a better spectrum for vascular plants?

http://www.jsctech.co.uk/theplantedtank/algae.htm

Java Moss is a pretty good nutrient sponge and the favored spawning site for the DPs I have kept.

But I have to admit it can be a bit messy - you do need to harvest it (trim it back) with some regularity and it can clog filter intakes, so keep an eye on it.