Diatom Algae in Cycling Tank

[Muchcunfooz]

My tank has been cycling for a couple of weeks now with dry rock and sand. I chose a fishless cycle and initially dosed ammonia up to 5-6ppm. At the moment the ammonia has dropped to 2-3ppm and the nitrite has jumped to 2ppm. Nitrate is still undetectable. I'm starting to see a very minor diatom algae bloom appearing as several dots over one piece of rock. Should I be concerned about this algae and what steps should I take moving forward? Thanks!

 

[Muchcunfooz]

Upon further inspection, the diatom growth is more extensive than I thought. Every rock has atleast a little bit on it and the bottom of the glass has a thin layer of it. I'm also noticing some green algae behind the rocks

 

[SRQreef3r]

It will run its course, I would be patient and just let it run its cycle...if it gets really bad you can siphon some out with a gravel vac or off the rocks during water changes

 

[Muchcunfooz]

It will run its course, I would be patient and just let it run its cycle...if it gets really bad you can siphon some out with a gravel vac or off the rocks during water changes

Thank you! This is my first saltwater tank and it's so easy to panic about ordinary things.

 

[rfgonzo]

It's all part of the game, you are in the 2nd quarter right now. Your tank is right on track.

 

[101010]

Thank you! This is my first saltwater tank and it's so easy to panic about ordinary things.

This is just the beginning, you will see more ugly phases as the cycling proceed. Just be patient and keep posting. this forum has many experienced members who will keep guiding newbies like you and me.

Sent from my ASUS_Z00ED using Tapatalk

 

[JUNBUG361]

What they all said

 

[mcgyvr]

Absolutely normal to have diatoms in a newly cycling tank.. They will go away..
You will likely also have green hair/film algae coming next and even some cyanobacteria (redish mat)..

And in the future do not dose more than 2ppm of ammonia..
Levels has high as 5-6 can actually harm the bacteria you are trying to increase..