Is it an issue flow?

[headjigger]

I have lots of algae- mostly hair algae despite water changes and virtually no bioload
the tank has had this problem for months
It has been up and running for at least a year and a half.
I scrub the rocks every week just to try to keep it from overtaking the tank
I dont feed the corals but they are proliferating.

90 gallon tank
35 gallon sump
800gph return to tank
2 power heads for in tank circulation
Red sea skimmer turbo
1 pink and blue spotted goby
Lots of snails, crabs
2 emerald crabs
LR
Corals
440W VHO

I am thinking of running a second return pump and another oveflow.
Is it possible that I dont have enuff coral
Thanks Adam

 

[waterfaller1]

How old are your bulbs? Please post all parameters, including PO4 ,Ph. nitrate,and alkalinity.

 

[flfirefighter13]

How long has the tank been established? How old are the bulbs? Do you get a decent amount of funk from the skimmer? Where is the live rock from and was it fully cured? What are you testing for and what are the numbers your getting? Phosphates? Are you useing RO/DI water? Fill us in a bit and we can help ya out, HA can be beaten!

 

[Me No Nemo]

Flow is often a problem, but something is feeding the algae. Get a good phosphate test kit or have it tested on a colorimeter for most accurate results. I've used Mexican turbos and LARGE Hawaiian Sea Hares and they mow it down in days/weeks, but you also have to remove the source of what's causing it to grow. With virtually no bioload and all that scrubbing, I'd look at your water. Have you tested the RO/DI water you are using for TDS?

 

[headjigger]

nitrate 20
nitrite 0
alakalinity 300 ppm
pH 8.4

Bulbs less than 3 months old

Tank has been established for 6 months
Skimmer is skimming, I would actually expect more skimmate to form.

I forgot who I ordered it form but Live rock is fully cured by me

I am using RO/DI water- how do i know when to change the filters?

 

[waterfaller1]

Why are your nitrates showing with 1 fish? A TDS meter tells you the total dissolved solids in the water you are using. It should be 0. If a number shows, it may be the membrane..or the other filters..including the DI. You have to test the water before the membrane, after, then after the DI to determine which filter needs replacement. Using a flush kit on your unit will extend the life of the membrane. There is no set amount of time that filters last, it depends on your water to begin with, and how often/how many gallons you use.