green algae

[paul]

I had started a new 20 gallon a while back and added a few fish , lots of rock and new bulbs on a dual t5 setup. I have had green algae build up on glass and hair algae start forming also on rocks. I tested nitrate with about a 15 ppm and phosphate at about .25 ppm. This is the first time ever using a phosphate test and I'm curious if this should be at zero. I have not performed my water change yet for the week but will do so tomorrow and retest. Also I just added a nano skimmer on it which I desperately needed to bring nitrate down. I have some zoas and green star polyps only. Do you think my problem is my levels or what else do I test for. I have the lights about 6-7 inches above water level. Thanks for any advice.

[jrossjr79]

Not an expert on this, but according to this: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/ you are to high on your phosphates.
Phosphate < 0.03 ppm

But like I said, I am no expert, and just beginning, so you may want to get another opinion.

Only other thing I know that can bring algae in your tank is having lights on to long.

[paul]

How long
is too long

[paul]

The lowest my test kit reads is .25Is their a better test kit out there.

[rockmp]

Use a hanna test kit. It's best to have them under .03...also may be time to add some GFO.


Thanks
Mark
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[paul]

That's why I had started an attempt for BRS group order

[paul]

My tank has changed for the better. Very slight algae on glass but no algae on sand or anywhere else. The new skimmer is doing a good job. I had shortened the lights on which also helped. I will test tomorrow and go from there. I'm sure I still need a slight amount gfo.