Is algae coming???

[gkw]

I am about 18 days since I put a cocktail shrimp in my tank and a week of 7lbs of live rock. I was wondering when I should be expecting the famous brown and red algae bloom?

I used RO/DI water and it's 0 on my TDS meter. What would that help me?

Also I tested my source/tap water and it's 46 ppm on my TDS meter. Is it good?
My RO is 26 (drinking water).

Would it be ok to just use source/tap water for my water change (trying to save my membrane for drinking water if I can)?

Thanks!
GKW

[Reef Lover]

You shouldn't use tap water for your water changes. It contains metals phosphates or trace of phosphates and other things that you don't want in your tank.

[Michaelr5]

I agree, the phospates are what will bring out the brown algae. If you use tap water for water changes, you will never get rid of it. If you used the RO/DI for you initial tank fill, you may see little or no brown algae at all. Mine showed up after about 3 weeks and took another 3 weeks to run its course.

Mike

[gkw]

coo, I guess I am good as far as the algae thing...too bad...I was kinda looking for it so I can buy some hermit crabs. I guess I have to wait until the tank is more establish, so they have more 'food' to chow down on.

Thank!

[rickzter]

I have yet to see hermits eat cyanobacteria. The only one I heard is excellent for it is the electric-orange hawaiin hermit crab.