I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned yet that you will ALWAYS have 0 nitrates if you have a bad hair algae outbreak or a cyano outbreak (Also- cyano is NEITHER a true bacteria or an algae, and is actually in a class of its own. Cyano cell membranes act MUCH different than any type of bacterias membrane). Nitrates get consumed just as quick as they can be produced when you have a massive algae problem.
Your best bet would be to remove as much algae as you can by hand. Then begin performing large water changes on a regular basis (We all know how easy it is to slack on the water changes when your nitrates are consistently 0- almost too good to be true! But it's how algae problems get even worse). Your algae will still continue to grow.. but it should start slowing once your water changes become regular (once a week for at least 10%). Keep removing this algae by hand. Now would also be a good time to tend to any phosphate problem as well (add some type of phosphate remove to your filter).
Unfortunately people always figure that their algae problems are strictly related to abundance of phosphates when really nitrates are just as strong of a driving force.
PS: A good skimmer, new bulbs, and careful feeding will also help out the situation as well. _________ Kibbles and bits and bits and bites, and bacon and bits and kibbles and bits...... NOT reef safe  |