Algae problems! Tank is 1 year old

[tigastt]

Before I start this thread, I just want to say all my water parameters are great using API and Reef Foundation test kits. All my corals (2 Frogspawns, 2 Hammers, Tons of Zoas, Ricordea Mushroom, Xenias, Favia, Acans), RBTA, and Fish (2 Clowns) are very happy and growing. Except for the candy cane, already being covered by algae. I just have a problem though... Algae everyday esp on glass and sand. No dead spots, powerheads are reaching everything.. I have tried doing 4 days water change, Lowering the white lights and just 3 hour white 7 hour blue.. Still Algae I'm running an HOB filter Aquaclear 70 that has Filter Floss, Biomax, Purigen, and 2 Chemipure Elite (Added 1 more just to see if it helps but it doesn't), I'm also running a skimmer. This has been happening for 4 weeks now. Last night I decided to add a refugium Aquaclear 20 with Chaeto and Caulerpa and did a water change. Siphoned all the algae in sand. Hoping that helps. But I'm posting this thread to see if this is a problem for nano tanks or something else ? My tank is 20G Hex. I'm afraid when I come back I see tons of algae again

[Clown79]

Well algae absorbs nutients so when you test nitrates and phosphates, the number is often lower than whatis really in the tank.

 

If you aren't using salifert phosphate tet kit, you won't get an accurate number. api phos test is not low range.

Adding some sand into the test may yield better results

 

What is your nitrate and phos level

 

What algae is in the tank- we need a pic.

 

How often do you change floss, clean filter, change out media

 

What water are you using

 

Do you regularly vacuum your sand

[brandon429]

Let's also eliminate too much white LED, common causative independent of nutrients, and dirty sandbed even after topical cleaning

 

Do you have a recent full tank picture so we can we details

[ReefMagix]

How is your clean up crew?