That's nice of you man (but since you're Canadian, that might be national law (
). I guess we are having similar problems, just with different roots of the issue.
I guess I'll throw out a quick update than...I guess this threads title sums it up..."cloudy water, can't shake it". I believe I am noticing a slight reduction in green algae...but the haziness (which is absolutely related to algae since the blackout helped it) has returned a bit.
With the new lights both running at once, it's like someone brought the sun inside and stuck it in my tank...way too bright IMO. What I've done is run the 10,000k light for 4 hours, then switch over to the 6,500k for an additional 3-4hrs...but not running them together. I'm also dosing the Flourish comp twice a week after pwc's at half dosage.
As for the nitrAtes...they're normally ~10. I have a few tanks...and none have algae other than this particular one which is the only planted tank. The BBA was only one tiny spot on a Val...and honestly it might have been a survivor from the blackout. I cut off the leaf and I haven't noticed any others.
I've considered splitting the photo period...but it seems unnatural for the fish, and I really don't want to do it. Their behavior changes with the lighting, and I've got them in a pretty good natural rhythm with the lighting that I don't want to throw off.
Honestly I can deal with the green algae on the substrate and DW (2x a week pwc's turn over the rocks and make it look better)...it's just the freaking cloudy water which is driving me up the wall.
Ryan, let me know how that UV thing works. I might have to go that route if it's effective for you.
Thanks for sharing your thread with me dude.