adding stuff in the back

[yasai6500]

So I've been battling black brush algae for awhile now and several people have told me to add carbon. I'm relatively new at this so I bought one of those all-in-one started kits(29 gal). The filter it is a standard hang-on filter and I'm wondering...can I get a bag of carbon and throw it in the empty space in the back of the filter? and if so, what brand? or does it even matter?

[MCHRKiller]

Brush algae in a non planted tank is primarily caused from inadequate water circulation. You would be better off to add an additional filter on the other end of the tank, the stock kit filters are marginal at best for water ciculation.

[Goes to 11!]

As far as I know a bag of activated carbon will not be helpful,
I have never suffered at the hands of Black Brush but I hear Flourish Excel is effective.
Here are a few links about what also will be:
Dave's Algae primer
Also see here & here.

[Cermet]

Sounds a lot like you need far better filtering in the tank - using a complete tank kit HOB is of little use (if I am reading correctly); at least add one with real bio-action like a unit with bio-noodles (aquaclear) or biowheel HOB to the tank. Also, water changes will help (do at least 50% to start, and at least 20% weekly.) Use the too low flow HOB you have as a backup (do run it, that is; also, if it has been running, that has all your active bio-filtering bacteria so it must stay at least until the new filter gets up to speed (three-five weeks.))

[yasai6500]

Brush algae in a non planted tank is primarily caused from inadequate water circulation. You would be better off to add an additional filter on the other end of the tank, the stock kit filters are marginal at best for water ciculation.

The tank in planted...sorry...forgot to mention that

[MCHRKiller]

Ah, then low CO2 combined with lack of circulation. I would either hook up some CO2 or at the very least dose Excel(providing you dont have plants that melt with Excel). And of course get that extra filter on there