Best way to get rid of Algae?

[PucksTank]

I noticed a thick build up of algae in my now fishless tank. They seem to be covering the substrate (which is sand), the live rocks, the skimmer and the glass of the tank. I find myself cleaning the class just so I'm able to see the inside of the tank. Is there a way to get rid of the algae permanently? My tank is located outside and is exposed to sunlight for about 3-4 hours every morning, but just in the morning.

 

[Sapelo]

What are your parameters and how old is your tank?
Algae is part of an aquarium environment but it does ebb and flow as your tank matures.
I'm guessing your tank is newer which means that at this point you're looking at questions of how much filtration you have (skimmer? live rock? sand?) and how long those filters have had a chance to work in your tank.
It takes time.

You say that your tank is "now fishless" which leads me to believe that this has not always been the case.
Why don't you tell us a little more about the tank's history.

 

[PucksTank]

My tank is 7 years old. I've recently had a crash in my tank because of ammonia problems.

 

[jsspallina]

I would take all the rock out and clean it with tank water, vacuum the substrate then do a 100% water change and start over.

The algae itself is nutrient rich removing it is the best way of removing nutrients from your tank.

Algae needs light and nutrients to live.
Once you remove the algae then you lower your nitrates and phosphate you will be algae free.

If your algae dies in your tank the nutrients will be released into your tank.

 

[jraker]

run gfo, and dose no3 : po4-x.