Algae problem. (not horrible but bad enough)

[Chef Steve]

In my 29 gallon reef tank algae has shown up. At first it was a red algae on sand bed and I would just vacuum up. Now the red is on my rocks along with green. I just did a water change and changed my puripads. Didn't help with algae on rocks. I have a 90 gallon in the works and I am beginning to think that emptying out my tank now is only option. Over feeding and other levels are fine. Not sure about phosphates but new pads should have fixed it. Fish and corals are doing great. Any suggestions?

[Gerwin]

purapads or any such product are not "instant" fixes, it did not get like this over night it will not be cured over night, also the pura pad could be shot as far as phoshate removing goes as if the tank was bad it will take out what it can in the first few days if not hours.
MORE purapads, reduce light time for a few weeks and continue water changes WITH RO DI water
its a war , not a battle

[Scott Allen]

Also, what kind of bulbs are you using and how old are they. Older bulbs can shift spectrum and help promote algae growth.

The real key is consistency. Keep changing water every week and it will come back around. Nothing good happens in this hobby fast.. only bad things are fast!

[Chef Steve]

I agree and figured it wouldn't fix overnight guess I just got paranoid for my corals ha ha and am ready for the 90 gallon. I am currently running a t5 ho one white one blue with bulbs maybe 3 or 4 months old plus led strip all blues. I put reef biokit and new pads have stopped further growth. My tang has started eating most of it. I think i spoiled him with seaweed lol. Everything is ok now will keep updated.

[Chef Steve]

What would bulb life be on a t5 ho? Had about a year and replaced bulbs once. Should I replace again?

[Gerwin]

6-8 months