I did an ammonia test and the filters are definitely doing something.
...... I realize I haven't got a chance of keeping these guys alive over the winter unless I take them in or build a greenhouse over them.
The Algae is likely doing more than the barrels at this point. Maybe the barrels are getting solids and dead algae out of the water so more algae can grow, but this early in the tank setup the plants are doing the heavy lifting. In fact you might want to put some potted plants in the top of your filters.
Check out the RAS book cecil recommended. they have some dome structures that might help. What are your lowest lows?
