When I first set up a tank with a friend at school, like 6 months into it our nitrates were off the charts, and I believe the kit went up to 300ppm. We only had a blue damsel and a 3-striped damsel, that were 4 and 5 years old, respectively. I'm sure that's why they lived, hah.
Michelle came here for help and advice, just like the rest of us. I think some of us can be a little bit nicer.
Personally hon, my friend has a totally overstocked tank, but he has so much filtration it's insane. If I were you, I'd probably take back a few fish for credit/trade them to people/whatever. But, that's only assuming you aren't yet attached to them. If you want to keep them all, just get yourself a sump/fuge and add some more filtration and such.
Sounds like you have a good amount of live rock.
Is your algae on the rocks? Maybe you can scub them lightly in a bucket with an old toothbrush (or the toothbrush of someone you don't like, hah). Also, have you ever tested for phosphates? How are your salinity, pH, and alkalinity readings?
Something I've learned from experience--don't add anything you don't test for. I believe iodide can be overdosed so you should test for it if you're going to add it, and I think there are strongtium tests as well. I definitely agree with everyone who's said to stop adding stuff for right now, and also about getting out the water buckets. Water changes can't hurt!!
Also, it doesn't sound to me like you're overfeeding. A nickel-sized piece of brine every other day for all those fish, I'd say is a far cry from overfeeding. I'd actually probably feed more, lol, but I definitely wouldn't start feeding more (if you do) until you get this cleared up.
I hope I've helped somewhat!! Good luck at getting your tank back to normal--your setup sounds awesome and I'm so jealous of all your lighting.
