Are u using API tests Pat? If so after about 19 drops it should start to turn blue. If not then it's either a bad test kit or your ca is off the charts.

As for the algae, don't give up!! I battled with HA for 6-7 months. I won! You will too Use ro/di water if possible, keep up on the water changes, feed sparingly, you got a skimmer yahoo!!! All your hard work will pay off. Just don't go overboard or do anything drastic trying to get rid of it. Without nutrients, po4 it will eventually starve itself out