That terrible algae

[jeremy]

I have a 55 gallon tank with 1 actinic bulb and one full spectrum white bulb and they run 10 hours a day.I have unsightly algae growth brown and red. my phosphates are zero i just tested them. I have a green x algae bag in my power head. I don't over feed my fish, once a day. what is my problem help,thanks jer.

 

[mgochay]

Is your tank by any direct sunlight?
That will make the brown algae grow fast too.

 

[beth]

You say your phosphates are zero but you didn't mention nitrates. Both are algae food sources. I assume you are running a reef system, thus the actinic lights? Depending upon what type of livestock you have and what light requirements they have, you may want to vary the type of light you are using or the frequency you are using them. Also, is this a new system? Excess algae in a new system is pretty common, and very annoying, but a necessary part of getting started.