Where to start with ny GHA problem?

[blacksnake1986]

Hey guys I have been having problems with Green hair algae. My tank is new ( around three months old ). I am trying to figure out what to do first. My nitrates is at 5ppm I don't have a Phosphate test kit yet. So I'm wondering should i get a cleanup crew of snails and hermit crabs first or should i get a GFO reactor. I canot spare the cash for both at the moment just wondering which would be the most effective. Either way i am getting a phosphate test kit to keep a eye on that anyways. I have been doing about a 10% water change a week using a brand new rodi unit. Oh my tank is a 30 gallon with sumpless with skimmer and hob power-filter running carbon trying to make do with a t5 vho light fixture with likely out of date bulbs ( i got it used with the tank ) for a month or two until i can afford a led fixture. I have in the tank Green star polyp, pulsing xeinia, small clownfish and a emerald crab. Thanks guys in advance for your advice its greatly appreciated!!! Garth

 

[mike007]

Most of the time these nuisance algaes are caused by excess nutrients. Yes you need to test for phosphates. Most people have these issues from overfeeding whether that be coral foods or fish foods. You need to continue with your water changes and possibly replace your bulbs.

 

[harryball69]

cut down how long your running your lites. no more than 8hrs. i run 7.5 with an hour of blue. dont overfeed. you also have a new tank. be patient. it takes time.

 

[blacksnake1986]

I have been feeding verry sparingly. So the corals can get by with 8 hours of light? I have been keeping them on a lot longer than that probbaly close to 12 hours

 

[LPSGUY]

Turbo snails will help with algae but wont correct the problem. A sump with an in sump skimmer will work much better for you.