brown algea

[DylanE]

so my tank currently has all the right levels, (ammonia nitrates and nitrites 0, ph 8.5, alk 8.5) but for some reason my getting almost an obscene amount of brown algea, and a little hair algea too. my guess is that it was i started off the tank on tap water...i know i know...just thought it was okay becuase its well water. anyways, what can i do to get rid off it and keep it off?

 

[hoopscity]

How long have you had the tank for? how long has it been set up?
do you have fish or corals in it yet? how much live rock?

What's your photoperiod?

Brown algae is normal during a cycle and should pass after a week or so.

 

[DylanE]

well the tank has been set up for 8 weeks and my cycle ended after 4. i have a royal gramma a false perc and a firefish, along with two peices of coral. they dont seem to mind the algea and my snails and hermits eat it, but it just keeps growing back.

 

[hoopscity]

how long do you run your lights for?

 

[DylanE]

a total of about 12 hours

 

[afelder]

You are actually right on schedule. Everyone has an algea outbreak with a new tank. Try some cerith snails and nassaurius snails. It will take some time to reduce the algea but they will keep it under control. Water changes will help you eliminate a good percentage as well. Reducing your lighting period can help as well. But I feel that a certain amount of algea means you have a healthy system. Just as long as it isn't a nuisance.

Good Luck
Ariel

 

[hoopscity]

I would also cut down on the lights... maybe 8-9 hours.

 

[DylanE]

sounds like a plan...one more question, if i cant get out to the LFS soon, is it better to use bottled water than tap water?

 

[hoopscity]

imho bottled water is not really any better... The best bet is to use RO/DI... i would go get your water tested at a LFS.

 

[ridetheducati]

Silicates are fueling the brown algae, eliminate the source and the diatoms will disappear. RO/DI is a must, grant it you want to eradicate diatoms.