I would like to know if there is a way to test for algae in a freshwater tank. Along with this, if you have an algea eater or 2 in the tank will that help with keeping the nitrites and nitrates lev low also.

Thanks

No an algae eater will INCREASE the NO2 and NO3 in the tank. Algae eats those things (as well as PO4)... So if you are having a lot of algae if is due to your high levels in this area. If you remove the algae, you will make the other problem worse until you find the source of that problem and correct it.

Alge problems can be caused by too much light. Keep your tank out of direct sunlight and if you have a light in the hood of the tank, don't keep it on all day. However if you did indeed have an alge problem, you would know. Your water would appear murky and green, much like river or lake water.

My old tank used to have a major algae problem... We bought cleaning magnets and bought a few sucking catfish, they cleared the algae in about a week, hungry little beggars...


These are the magnets... they have a sort of course fabric on the inside, one side goes on the inside of the tank and you put the other on the outside... no getting your fingers wet and covered in algae... yuk
https://my1.bizshop.com.au/thepondshop/images/magcleansml.JPG


And this is a sucking catfish... best little bottom feeder there is :)
http://www.livefish.com.au/images/marble%20gold%20sucking%20catfish_sml.jpg