I have a 700gl Stock Tank (that's outside of course) that gets Algae Blooms if I don't keep the water changed often. I normally do once weekly water changes, but once a week ain't cutting' it anymore. Is twice weekly to often? Not sure what it would hurt but I thought I would ask.
I know it's getting too much sunlight. I have bout 4 sunfish, and 6-7 small mullet in the tank right now, but I'm going to be getting a Smallmouth Buffalo soon.
since its outside you could make a natural plant canopy for it with an over the tank sump and some of that hanging ivy stuff (like yer grandmother has... or well.. atleast every grandmother ive ever known has some growing in a glass on a windowsill) it wouldnt have to be a huge setup but it would offer some shade and help use up some of the nitrates/nitrites (which ever it is that plants/algae like)
Some floating plants would help tremendously with the problem. More water changes might do it also but why bother when plants are simpler, more cost effective and more environmentally friendly? That said, it could be a while before you notice the plants having a major effect and you'll still have to remove any existing algae from the water once the plants are in to get the green out.
If you lived in the Southeast you'd have a whole new outlook on water and how much you use. especially if you were on a well.
When water starts to become scarce you just do what you can get by with.
just a thought to the never enough water changes comment.
