Feeding & Algae Questions

[Stepho725]

First question is...have any of you all used phyto-plankton to feed your softies? I recently got some for my mussel and some of the zoas look slightly bigger. Are they eating the phyto-plankton? Should I target feed them? If so, how often would you suggest? I only have a few soft coral frags. 2-zoa frags, 2-toadstool frags, & 1-xenia frag.

Speaking of the Toadstools, my other question is...they seem to be full of algae, one is worse than the other. The worse one didnt open for a couple days and then opened today after i did a water change last night. Will do another water change on Friday. My nitrates are high at 40 but have been all along and it never bothered the toadstool before. Anyways - today he is only half extended and the ends of his polyps look white. I guess just not fully extended.
Pics of the algae are attached. Any suggestions to get rid of it?

 

[Stepho725]

Bump

 

[Baconbandit]

you don't need to feed those corals, proper lighting is more important. you'll just be adding to your high nitrates. as for the algae, is it long enough for you to pluck off? maybe rub it off with a finger?

 

[Stepho725]

Unfortunately it is not long enough on the smaller one to rub off as i did try recently to do so with a net handle.

I wonder if i could use a toothbrush lightly? I dont want to further stress or damage it though. Any other suggestions?