Out of control brown hair algae!

[jeeves]

I do not know what to do. My phosphates and nitrates are both zero. I have tons of reef janitors - But there is still a persistent growth of this hair algae that is smothering some of my soft coral.
Please help.

 

[cjworkman]

well, as i've realized over time.. just cause the phosphate reading is zero does not mean there isn't any. It just means the algae is consuming it as it is created.
Find the source.... frozen food and overfeeding can be a source of both phosphates and nitrates. Try reducing feeding amounts.. and rinse frozen food before thawing.
What kind of equipment do you have? Canister filter.. protein skimmer...
If you have a Canister filter.. I suggest filling a filter bag with some reef carbon and phos sponge and running it. This is just a patch though for small amounts of phosphate you can't control..
what kind of water are you using? RO/DI?