"I cut back on the amount of all ferts to starve the Algae out ".

That's a charming notion, but it doesn't work. Algae will adapt more quickly to the deficiency, and the plants metabolism will be suppressed allowing the algae to gain a greater foothold. This is one of the greater points of EI (Ample nutrients for the plants at all times)

This is only a temporary solution at best until you acquire better lighting. AH Supply Compact Fluorescent Lighting Kits should be able to get you set up properly straight away. HTH Prof M

Edit: What are the dimensions of the tank ? What spectrum is the lighting ?? Is the tank open topped ???