why can't I just be happy

Wow, I must be lucky. Haven't had many problems with algae. I do have a RODI unit with "well" water. I did have a little Hair algae right after setting tank up, but did get about 3 of the turbo snails which seemed to help as well as an urchin. Hair algae all gone, no slime or other. Only issue is a recurrent film on the glass which is greenish. Scraper takes care of it.

I have a great RODI unit, and TDS is 0...that's why I have no idea. We have tried messing with the skimmer as well. That is why I am so frustrated.

Try less light time. Are you over feeding?

do you rinse your food before you feed. Maybe the liquid holding your frozen food is loaded with nutrients. Really something has to be feeding the algae you just have to figure out what. How old are the filters in the RODI. Also to make sure your tds is really zero you should pop it off the RODI unit and test your water storage container just to make sure the link is not between the ro unit and the tank. Out of curiousity do you have any idea where your ph sits?

Good point. I've been getting lazy about the food thing. I should go back to being more careful. I don't have HA but my glass is starting to need to be scraped too often!!