algae?

[Blue Tang]

Hello all, Was just wondering if anyone can tell me how to get rid of this algae? i tested water a week ago , nitrates 40ppm, no amonia , did a 40% water change but cant seem to get rid of this stuff, could it be too many phosphates, not tested for that as i dont have that test kit. I also have three bags of phosguard plus charcoal in the sump with lots of water flow through them , i dont over feed the fish , mostly give them food when i remember, any help PLEASE? I have two halide lights,150 W, 20000k bulbs and two coralstar 36W actinic tubes over the tank and they are on for ten hours. Tank is 6ft L x 2ft Wx 28 in H.
Thanks , Blue Tang,
ps, i just want my tank looking as good as the tanks in this forum!!!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Algae is always an excess nutrient problem, so start looking in that direction. Do you use RO water? If so, how old are the membranes? Also, you said you run activated carbon, what kind? The cheaper grades can release phos into the tank water. That's what I can think of off the top of my head, hopefully someone else will post up with more suggestions.

 

[SnowManSnow]

yup

 

[Blue Tang]

Hello again , I tested the water and these are the results, Phos =0.5-1.0
nitrate=10-15 ppm
calcium=440 ppm
carbonate=107.4
Are these readings close to what i should have in my tank? Any comments welcome. Thanks , Blue tang. :? also i do not have an RO unit. 8O

 

[Anonymous]

Well, the phos should be zero if I remember correctly. What do you feed the tank? How old are the light bulbs? Oh, and please answer the other questions I posted earlier so I have a better idea what's what

 

[Blue Tang]

The activated carbon is a high quality mix of phosguard& carbon my LFS guy says its a great brand, Seachem is what i have.

 

[Anonymous]

To repeat Dawg's questions.. Whats the TDS of your makeup water?