Algae

[That New Guy]

I have a feeling the nutrients in my tank may be out of control. There's no way in a healthy tank I should be scraping the glass daily, right?

Assuming nutrients ARE high, any suggestions on getting them in check? I have a 40 gallon tank with a cleaner shrimp, 2 clowns, and a clean up crew.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ztous]

Test for nitrates and phosphates and post the numbers.

 

[That New Guy]

I don't have a phosphate test, oops! Is that something important enough to test regularly?

Nitrates: 0.00 (did a water change yesterday)
pH: 7.8
Ammonia: 0.00
Nitrite: 0.00
Calcium: 350
Alkalinity: 7.3 dkh

 

[Flippers4pups]

Yes it is. Get a test kit for P04, and if keeping corals, a magnesium test kit. Looks like you have the other tests.

Once you have your test results, if P04 is higher than 0, use GFO to reduce it.
Read up on phosphates and how to control them. The best results when using granular ferric oxide is with a reactor, but could also be used in a media bag in the sump. Rising GFO prior to use is a must till the rise water is clear. Just don't tumble it too much, as the fines can and will irritate your live stock.

Over feeding/uneaten food is usually the number one cause of high P04. There are others like bad husbandry.....etc.