Brown Algea

[Nu2SW]

Hello. My tank has been cycling for about 2 weeks now and just since I got my Power compact lights. This brown algea has been growing like crazy. Should i let it go on its own course, get some cleaner buddies like snails or shrimp. or add anything to the water?

http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=3/8223324589.jpg&s=x10

 

[seminolecpa]

Pretty natural course.

Are you cycling your tank with damsels? Would probably be faster with some live rock or sand and more humane.

If you are running lights during the cycle it probably is significantly adding to your algae problem.

 

[Nu2SW]

thanks for responding

50 pounds of sand and damsels and 40 pounds of live rock. yes i am leaving the lights on. Should i shorten the time they are on?

 

[Elite]

How long do you leave it on?

 

[GreshamH]

do a 10 on cycle

Those diatoms are simply a part of cycling my friend, and aren't a bad thing. Even in a established tank, diatoms aren't that bad of a phytoplankton. Many things will feed on them in your tank, and actually need them to grow. Snails LOVE diatoms, as do abalone, clams and much more.

 

[Nu2SW]

10-12 hours. I turn them on b4 i leave for work and then them off about an hour or 2 after i get home.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Do a Google on fishless cycling. You can add chemical nitrogen sources and boost the temps to get your tank to cycle super fast. Then you don't have to stress damsels or other creatures while the bacterial population is getting established.

You can add ammonia or ammonium chloride. I've even used ammonium nitrate when the other two where not handy. Convenient source of ammonium nitrate for those without nearby farm supply places - drugstore. The instant cold packs have ammonium nitrate inside along with a bag of water.

All you closet pyros/chemists don't go making explosives and stuff out of cold packs now!