I'm very new. Moved an existing tank (29 gal) that had no fish but did have live rock. I've added 2 clowns a sixline wrasse, clown goby, cleaner shrimp, 4 snails. Now I have a brown algea ? dust on the sand and some of the rock. Test the water all seemed fine. Need suggestions on what to do. Water is very clear. Thanks for help
brown algae?
- Thread starter glitzyone
- Start date
Kengaroo131
Fish Crazy
how long has the tank been setup as saltwater for?
sir_dudeguy
Active member
[welcome]
first thing...new tanks always go through many algae phases...brown being the more common (i'm guessing a sort of rusty color? If so, its diatoms). Just be patient and wait it out while making sure nitrates and phosphates are down.
Also...the way i read that was that you added all that at the same time to this 29? Thats way too many all at once in my opinion. Keep CONSTANT watch on the amonia to make sure it doesnt spike. You want to add only 1 (2 fish TOPS) fish at a time and wait about 3 weeks at least to allow the bacteria time to bounce back to be able to break down the new load of amonia. If you see amonia...do a water change right away.
first thing...new tanks always go through many algae phases...brown being the more common (i'm guessing a sort of rusty color? If so, its diatoms). Just be patient and wait it out while making sure nitrates and phosphates are down.
Also...the way i read that was that you added all that at the same time to this 29? Thats way too many all at once in my opinion. Keep CONSTANT watch on the amonia to make sure it doesnt spike. You want to add only 1 (2 fish TOPS) fish at a time and wait about 3 weeks at least to allow the bacteria time to bounce back to be able to break down the new load of amonia. If you see amonia...do a water change right away.
alexb518
New member
IMO, i would pull everything out and wait for the tank to cycle. simply b/c you said that you have brown algae, i'm guessing that your tank has been setup for under 2 weeks, right? like sir dude guy said, diatoms. your tank will continue to go through a few algae phases, and you're probably going to see hair algae next...so be prepared but don't worry because it will pass. your main concern should be (under the assumption that your tank is in fact new) to take those fish out and find somewhere to put them for about a month or two. you'll probably lose them. if your tank is new, you're going to see a pretty agressive spike in ammonia very shortly with that bioload.
sir_dudeguy
Active member
he said there was already live rock in there, so i took it as it has already cycled...but like you say, if it isnt cycled. Take everything out asap and make sure its cycled.
