Originally Posted by fender
X2
Your tests are probably right. Your excess nutrients (Nitrates and Phosphates) are being used up as fast as they enter, i.e. more algae so there is nothing free in the water to detect (but trust me you have too much).
Get the RODI, water changes after that. Cut the lights to maybe 8 hours, Skim like mad and hang in there. And enter that contest. You are a sure thing. (Every cloud has a silver lining).
I do agree with fender in switching to RO water changes...that'll make a world of difference. I would actually cut the light back to 6 hours a day though and eventually work back up to 7 or 8 AFTER the algae is gone.
Also, don't expect results overnight. I fought with a green hair algae problem for months and months and finally won.
Another question, what kind of salt do you use? And what are you feeding your fish...you do have fish, right? Some foods are high in phosphates, check the ingredients and change that if you possibly can.
Best of luck to you. I know that you can beat it, just give it time.
Lisa :happyfish
