Algae Problems

[minex]

For some reason, my tank grows algae like there's no tommorrow. I currently have a mixture of hairy green algae and purple algae. Unfortunately, the green algae is everywhere. Its growing on the rocks, sand, glass, heater, and even on the crabs shells.
I've attempted to address the issue a few months ago since I noticed my Nitrate levels were in the 20 PPM. Since then, I've quit using tap water and started using RO water. I did a 50% water change with RO water initially (and continue to do a 20% water change every two weeks). I also use a protien skimmer with a refugium. I also reduced the time my lights are on by about two hours.
I seemed to have solved the Nitrate levels (0 PPM) when I checked it today, but the green algae continues to grow everywhere. Am I missing something else?
My tank is currently 10 months old.

 

[fishboy 86]

My advise would be get an good cleaner crew and put your lighting back up to normal levels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[minex]

Oh, I forgot to mention that. I do have a large cleaner crew that I purchased from saltwaterfish.com a few months ago. As for lights, I reduced them from 10 hours a day to 8. I think 8 should be more than enough lighting.
There must be some other reasons why my algae is growing out of control.

 

[robvia]

Could be growing off phosphates in the water. Have you been able to check that? Usually red slime will grow off phosphates, but maybe the green is feeding off it. How long has your nitrate been at 0? Are you growing macro algea? It may take a little while for the hair to die off and macro to out compete it. May fuge is a mess right now because my water was so bad when I started the fuge. It it getting better.

 

[dacia]

I drop a phospate and silicate sponge in a filter to sop up extra algae nutrients. It won't completely eliminate the problem, but it will help.

 

[minex]

I actually haven't been testing my nitrates too much lately. However, I would assume that they've been zero for only a few weeks, since I started this "nitrate reduction process" about a month ago. Maybe it will just take time for the algae to clear up. Also note that I haven't checked on the phosphates, but thats defintely worth looking into.
As for the sponge, I'll have take a look at that.