brown diatom in new tank

[Stevenk]

Hi.

I have just recently started cycling a new tank with uncured live rock. The ammonia levels are skyrocking and the nitrate and nitrite's are basically zero.

I am getting brown diatom in the tank now. What do i need to do to stop this? Is it normal to have brown diatom in a new cycling tank?

Thanks

 

[Drewcipher]

This is normal. It should go away in time.

 

[msman825]

stay with water changes.

 

[SumoBlenny]

It is a normal part of the new tank cycle and should go away in a few months. To help in the meantime activated carbon, water changes and a reduced photo period can all be beneficial. Most hermit crabs are great for eating cyano and diatom algea and could be added early in the cycle period. Be happy, the algea bloom is a sign that your tank is progessing normally! (-:

 

[Stevenk]

I should do a water change during the cycling period? I thought that was a no no. The water is very cloudy also at this time.

Billy

 

[Amphiprion]

water changes will not stop the cycling process. If the water is cloudy, then the bacteria are multiplying exponentially in order to cope with the increased levels of ammonia. Do those water changes.

 

[Stevenk]

I went and did a 25% waterchange today. Water looks like it is starting to clear up some already.

 

[Stevenk]

Water was still really cloudy and smelly today. So I did another 25 % water change again. Still cloudy. What do i need to do? Or will it clear up with time?

 

[doodoobrown]

let it sit for a while before you do any more water changes

 

[reefwick]

Leave it be. This is all normal stuff your describing. You just need to keep up WC's every few days and let it do its thing.