How to get rid of brown algae in my reef tank?

Discussion in 'Algae' started by CouponAlbum, May 13, 2009.

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  1. CouponAlbum

    CouponAlbum Plankton

    Joined:
    May 11, 2009
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    Location:
    California
    Hi all !!
    I am cycling a newly set up reef tank and for some reason brown algae is growing everywhere only have the lights on for 7hrs maximum. l have setup new tanks before and had brown algae but not like this.
    Help please!!!
     
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  3. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    Please describe it better. Is it like dust. Is it only on the rocks or is it on the sand and glass too? Is it like snot?
     
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  4. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

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    Welcome and congrats on the new tank!
    That brown algae is diatoms, the most simple of the algaes that enter our tanks. You typically see them about 24 hours after the tank is set up.
    Take a breath they will pass, BUT it will take a while.
    All tanks will go through various stages before they are fully cycled and matured.
    One of the cycles is the algae cycle. First is diatoms, then you might see some green algae, then many times you will have either cyanobacteria or hair algae, the order is sometimes flipped with those two. The things you need to do is 1. realize it happens to everyone, even Marine Biologists, and 2. it will pass, esp if you do somethings preemptively.
    Diatoms, at least until they pass are the easiest algae to deal with as they wipe off very easily and just about every herbivore loves them!
    The main thing you can do right now thoughout the cycle and the next couple weeks to months is keep the nutrient level down, so do your W/Cs, don't feed too much and go slow adding livestock.
    Also once your NH3, and NO2 are gone you can start adding a few herbivorous snails and crabs, but go slow as you don't want to purchase something only for it to starve to death!!
    Diatoms of all the main algaes, use the most Silicates, so you no matter what will battle them alittle as the new glass leeches minute amounts into the tank. So you could use a SiO4, or PO4 scavanger resin to keep those levels as low as possible.
    Also, without sounding redundant, watch the tank temp, higher temps will cause diatoms to absolutely thrive so keep the tank under 82. Also watch for sunlight, even a couple hours of sun will create brown covered glass.

    So, long story somewhat short, control nutrients, add a few scavangers, keep the environment stable and have patience!!

    Happy reefing!
     
  5. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    Oh and welcome to 3 reef Coupon album



    Steve
     
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  6. johnmaloney

    johnmaloney 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
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    get pods in there and they will have a population explosion. pods love diatoms, (but aren't effective cleaners if that is what you are thinking), and this is a goo opportunity to mature the tank.