Originally Posted by steveangela1

Do you have any macro algae in your sump? You might want to re check your nitrates, and phosphates since you have hair algae. Also, maybe get a bigger clean up crew (maybe an emerald crab, or red emerald crab, the reds aren't as bad at nipping at corals if you ad them) Also some big algae eating snails/crabs. I got a lawnmower blenny and he is a great alage eater.
You have a beautiful tank! Looks like the coral line algae is taking hold too... I wish mine would speed up. Its finally getting on the back wall, and spreading.

Originally Posted by fishrule101

I think its the phosphates from my tap water that makes the algae grow. I just checked the parameters today. I don't have a test kit for it though. Nitrates are zero. I plan on getting a bigger CUC. I like the idea of a emerald crab. My LFS have plenty of them. No theres not any macro algae in the sump. The sump is new.

Originally Posted by steveangela1

Macro is great for cutting down on other algaes it competes for nutrients. I am letting some grow in my tank since I don't have a sump and its really cut down on my hair algae growth.
I have been using tap water myself, and I am going to have to use the culligan station at walmart for now on I guess.
Im adding some more clean up crew myself this week.

As for the phosphate test, watch the foster and smith or petsmart sites closely you might find the api test cheap (maybe even the reef master). I got the reef master and its awesome.

Originally Posted by fishrule101

I'll get the phosphate tester this week when I go buy my BTA. I have a coupon for PetCo for 10% off. I'll try to get the reef master soon.

Originally Posted by steveangela1

I am getting a low low reading on phosphates from my tap, but its enough to cause issues in my tank. (its .5 actually a little more pale than that even).
If RO/DI units didn't cost much I would have got one for my reef. But I am going to use the ro water at the local walmart starting this week.