excess nutrients

[videoguy]

Which is the worst for causing algae
1. Ammonia
2. Nitrates
3. Nitrites
4. Phosphates
5. Other
I have my top 2 picked out but I would love to hear what others have to say
Thanks

 

[nycbob]

all of them r bad, but phosphate is the main cause. r u having some issue with ur tank?

 

[cjworkman]

Nitrate and Phosphate.
Phosphate is the most difficult one to fix.
Also remember that Nitrate is caused by the presence of ammonia that gets broken down into nitrite and then to nitrate.
So in a way... Ammonia and Nitrite will eventually cause algae when it is converted to nitrate.

 

[videoguy]

I had a spike when my skimmer pump propeller broke and I did not catch it for a couple days. My skimmer was offline for a week while I ordered my replacement. I was doing small water changes while it was shipped out but it still didn't help. I'm going to purchase a spare pump for emergencys like this.