Too much algae

[jesusq]

I've had my tank for almost a year. Currently have a six T5 48" lighting, a reef octopus skimmer and am using GFO and Carbon reactor for filtration, I also have two refugium one on back and one on the sump.

In the last few weeks, nothing has changed, but am getting a large amount of brown and green algae. I would think the refugium algae would compete, but it's actually working the opposite, the algae on the refugium are dying off. I've checked the levels, and everything is on acceptable levels, I've cut back on the lighting, and have reduced the amount of frozen and pebbles I'm feeding the tank.

How can I troubleshoot this all of a sudden algae problem?

 

[Geraud]

How old are your T5 bulbs? How frequently do you replace your GFO and carbon? What about water changes? What kind of lights are you using on your refugium? What kind of algae?

 

[Elflaco112]

How old are your T5 bulbs? How frequently do you replace your GFO and carbon? What about water changes? What kind of lights are you using on your refugium? What kind of algae?

Exactly what he stated. How old are thoseT5 bulbs? In my Refugium I use the GE plant grow bulb and it helps my Macro Algae grow like Crazy. You'll see the Algae in the display tank right away. Well thats what worked for me when I had that problem.

 

[SanmanReefer]

Exactly what he stated. How old are thoseT5 bulbs? In my Refugium I use the GE plant grow bulb and it helps my Macro Algae grow like Crazy. You'll see the Algae in the display tank right away. Well thats what worked for me when I had that problem.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but which bulb do you use on your fuge? Any pics? Thanks.