Algae! I need a plan!

So, I have had my tank running for many years, and I've had bouts with little bits of algae here and there, but in the last couple months, I've had algae take over, literally. It's choked out a few corals and is covering my rocks now. I run an RO filter for my water, so sadly that was the last place I checked for an issue, but apparently it was the major culprit as my "clean" water was full of phosphates (like in the 3.0 - 4.0 range) that I was adding back into the tank with every water top off and water change. My phosphates in the tank were near 0 (probably because the algae was consuming it all) and my nitrates in both new water and tank were 0. My Ph was a little low (in the 7 range). OK, so I've discovered the issue (I hope), but at this point the damage is done. I've added some phosphate sponge pads into my filters to help reduce the level in tank. I've gone lights out for a couple days. But I've still got algae coming out of my ears. I think I've attached a couple pics of the tank on here so you can see the amount and type of algae. These pics are close ups, but rest assured, the whole tank it this way.
What I'm hoping for is help on 2 things:
1. Since my RO system doesn't seem to be working to get out phosphates, I've tried a phosphate pad for that water, which has reduced it to around the .5 range, but it's still there. What else, short of a new system (which I plan to get, but may be a while due to funds) could I do to try and rid my "clean" water of these phosphates before it goes in my tank?
2. My whole tank is one big thing of algae right now. Assuming I get the new water issue resolved and the phosphates are no longer an issue, how the heck do I get rid of what I've got in the tank? My hope is that it would start to die off, but will that happen completely? Do I need to take more action?

I appreciate any help anyone can suggest. I'm at my wits end with this and want to just take everything out, boil it all and start over, but the few corals that I still have would probably argue against that.

 

Phosphate is not the only impurity RO alone won't remove. You should also have a DI filter with that unit. That would give you zero TDS- nothing but pure water.

Once you've resolved that issue, yes the algae will start dying off. To what degree will depend on how many other sources of phosphates you have (over-feeding with unrinsed frozen food, etc).

 

I'm still no expert, but that's not bryopsis is it?

 

I would contact ReefCleaners and see what John recommends as potential algae eaters.

Looks like Lawnmower Blenny heaven, if one would fit in with your current live stock.

BTW I would save one of those images just in case John @ ReefCleaners has his annual contest for worst algae in a tank, I think you could have a contender there.

Good Luck

 

@55gfowlrI am definitely no expert, so I can't say for sure what kind it is. It's very fine and in some places long and thick.

@Corrailine How do I get in touch with Reefcleaners/John? If I win something for worst algae in a tank, that might be cool, but otherwise that statement just makes me sad...

 

OMG!!!! Quote of the week Right there!!!

 

Oh I am sorry Mr. Bond, but just think how happy you will be when the algae is gone.

Reef Cleaners| Clean up Crews and Macroalgae

You can not go wrong with John.

Each year he runs a contest on this forum and a couple others, members feature their tanks with the most algae.

Good news is once you get your phosphates and nitrates under control and something to assist in eating it, you should be very happy.

 

I think its fair to have multiple options in any algae situation. I specialize in curing tanks like this using other means, if you want to see hundreds of before and after pictures google 'pico reef pest algae problem challenge thread' id be happy to take this on. My prediction time is two weeks until total cure/clean. At least you have several options now!

This type of algae is particularly susceptible. The thread is a reference but we can do the work here and I'll just link this thread back to the collection.

 

My poor starving turbo snails would have a field day with that stuff, I started to have that stuff grow in my tank, got 4 turbos and they mowed it down to nothing in no time.

 

I'm not sure about all snails and hermits, but the stuff if pretty long and I'd be a little worried it'd be too much for them. I suppose ripping out as much as I can first might work...
Also, any thoughts on what to do with my "clean" water to ensure that I get rid of phosphates so that I don't have this issue continuing? As I said I've filtered it through a phosphate pad, but still have low levels. Should I run it through the pad again, or are there any other methods, or is the only best way to get a new RO/DI filter?