No Algae even after 3 months?

[coverguy]

Hi,

As stupid it may sound, i dont see any algae in my tank! its been 3 1/2 months since i setup my tank. Water parameters are fine. (ammonia-0, nitrite-0, nitrate -20)

My fishes(2 damsels, 2 clown and 1 angel) are doing fine. 3 button corals not doing so well.

Setup is ...
45G, UGF, 1400lph powerhead, Hydor Prime 30 external filter, 1 30w daylight and 1 30w blue actinic. they are on for 15hrs average, 3 marine plants.

Question is Why dont i see any algae in my tank? Is it normal? how many months does it take to see algae in newly cycled tanks? Not that i want algae but just dont know if thats good or bad

regards,
viv

[GraviT]

Depending on the size/type of the marine plants, there is a chance that they are consuming the nutrients that micro algae would need to thrive. Just a guess though.

[Matt Rogers]

Have you tested for pH or alkalinity?

That's not a lot of light wattage wise for that tank, so that may be part of it.

[JohnO]

Viv,

Here's the problem :-) Or maybe not the problem :-)

You need more light if you want the coral to thrive. However with more light comes algae.

John

[Lehmann]

I think it's your lighting that is at fault here. 2 to 3 watts per gallon would be an absolute minimum, I run two PC 50% actinic / 50% daylight and one 100% actinic 03 lamp. Photoperiod is 10 hrs max on Actinic used as Dawn/ dusk light and during main photoperiod, while the main lighting is used for 8 hours. Watch your algae grow, and your nitrates drop. You don't mention live rock, but your corals require better lighting than you have currently to survive. This could be why they are not doing well. My 6 week old setup is running 100% with excellent growth of macro red and brown algae. Also split a colony of star polyps about a week ago and they are growing like made. Nitrate could also be a factor for your corals doing badly. It's all linked. Email me on leppanm@intekom.co.za if you want to chat and I can try and help you.