Can someone explain this?

[ph33nyx]

Why is it that I when I test my sw tank it shows 0-5 NO3 and 0 PO4, yet I can't seem to get of the algae in my tank? The tank is a 40g and I do a 10-15g change every other week using RO\DI. The lights are on a timer with actinics on at 9am and off at 9pm and the Mh is on at 11am and off at 6pm.
Anyone have any suggestions?

[BrAin]

I had to cut my lights to more of an 8 hour cycle. If I leave them on any longer I start getting some growth on the front glass. Do you have a skimmer?

[ph33nyx]

Yep...using a Tunze 9002 in the sump (10g). I like actually seeing everything in my tank. Would 12-8 with the actinics and 2-6 with the Mh be better? Also, I got a small biopellet reactor...that should be in this week.

[Geral]

Put a uv , still i only run my lights 8 hrs

[Darbex]

Tank near a window? If so which direction does the window face?

[ph33nyx]

It is sort of near a window, but the curtains are drawn most of the time.
I cut the lighting down to 8hrs this morning, so we'll see how that works out too.

[rage]

Why is it that I when I test my sw tank it shows 0-5 NO3 and 0 PO4, yet I can't seem to get of the algae in my tank? The tank is a 40g and I do a 10-15g change every other week using RO\DI. The lights are on a timer with actinics on at 9am and off at 9pm and the Mh is on at 11am and off at 6pm.
Anyone have any suggestions?

Are you talking about the algae that grows on the glass?
I don't know anyone who does not have it if they have light on.

[ph33nyx]

Are you talking about the algae that grows on the glass?
I don't know anyone who does not have it if they have light on.

it's on the glass, rock, sand, etc

[Dave00gt]

check tds on your ro di water source with a tds meter cheap onine for like 15-20 bux on line,

total dissolved solids, can really have an effect on algae

usually in my experience the algae growth can be effected by

water flow
excess nutrients, food , fish waste
lighting period
tds in water
or just going thru its algae phases either way hope it helps

a picture would help out also

[aggrofishkeeper]

The algae in the display tank is causing a false reading on your phosphates and nitrates. Chemiclean slime remover works for cyano. Also cut feeding to the tank for a week and lights out for 4 days. And increase flow. And invest in a GFO reactor.

[ph33nyx]

Thanks. I've got some Chemiclean, and have used it before. I typically do a 3 days lights out every month. I would hope my water is ok. I just replaced all the filters back in Dec.
Everything does seem to be clearing up. I've been getting the most nasty stuff in my skimmer since adding the biopellet reactor, and just put in a WP25 for more flow.

[aggrofishkeeper]

I would cut back on feeding the anemones.

Maybe at least cut off the head on the fish before you feed it.