Nitrite/nitrate Spike & Algae

[jaycee31]

Request Help! Tank has been running 7 weeks.

Tank size: 150 ltr

Testing with crappy API test strips, so colouring is a bit iffy...
pH: ~7.0
nitrite: ~5-10 ppm
nitrate: ~160 ppm
kH: ~240 ppm
gH: ~180 ppm
tank temp: 27 C

Using a manufacturer trickle filter mounted in lid - with aquarium wool and sponge layer. Rinsed sponge in tank water once and changed wool once.
Last water change 50 ltr at weekend. Last before that was same weekend before.

Already had Ick when Platys were added and treated successfully with Interpet White Spot Plus.

Algae bloom started about 10 days ago - treated with Nutrifin 'Clear' Particulate Water Clarifier - no better now!

Tank inhabitants: 5 Green Tiger Barb, 4 Neon Tetra, 2 Leopard Cory, 4 Red Platy, 3 Dwarf Gourami and 3 Red Claw Crab.

Any help would be appreciated in respect of Algae bloom and getting NO2/NO3 down, please.

 

[WILDER]

That nitrate reading can't be right if the tanks only been set up 7 weeks.
Test strips are not that accurate you need liquid test kits.
Water change and increase aeration in the tank.
Med can knock your benefical bacteria.

Has the tank ever cycled.
Do you use a gravel vac.
How often do you maintain the tank.

 

[jaycee31]

Thanks for the reply.

I did another 50 ltr water change last night.

NO2 now ~3-5
NO3 now ~80

Tank hasn't had a fishless cycle - I started the tank and ran without fish for first 10 days - then added Neons.
I have vacced the gravel 3 times since startup.
What do you mean by 'maintain'?

 

[WILDER]

Your nitrate reading high what your tap nitrate reading.
When I say maintain how often do you do a gravel vac and water change.
Has the tank cycled before meaming ammonia and nitrite 0