Growth on my sand?!

[matmatoo]

Hi everyone,

Today I came back from work to find that my sand has grown a faint green colour, and I am not entirely sure why or what it is.

I am really, really scared that green hair algae will cover the tank so I am wanting to get in there fast and take action if need-be. The tank is around 2 weeks old so it is still cycling.

Ammonia: 0.50ppm
Nitrite: at 0
Nitrate: 0
pH: 8.2
Salinity: 1.025
Alkalinity: 12
Phosphates: 0
Calcium: 540
Magnesium: 1305

The tank does have heaps of coralline algae growing on the rocks and I suspect that this is due to high calcium and magnesium levels that came when I mixed the water with Red Sea Salt.

Can anyone please tell me what this green stuff is? Should I be concerned?

Thank you
Matt

 

[Arnel0387]

Cyanobacteria and green hair algae. This is normal because you're just starting. Expect to see this for a few months.

 

[matmatoo]

Cyanobacteria and green hair algae. This is normal because you're just starting. Expect to see this for a few months.

I am dosing the tank with API Marine Algae Fix, should I continue with this? I've heard stories about hair algae not dying off after the tanks initial cycle, should I be concerned at this stage?

Cheers
Matt

 

[idisc]

Once u get a CUC in you will be fine - just keep an eye on it.

 

[matmatoo]

Thanks for your advice. Is it okay if I run my lights on? Will light feed the growth?

 

[robotman]

Thanks for your advice. Is it okay if I run my lights on? Will light feed the growth?

keep your light hours normal, eventually it will go away. everyone usually goes through them at least once with a beginning tank

 

[Shaummy]

Your tank will got through a lot of stages, some of which are ugly (affectionately called the Ugly Tank Syndrome). You pretty much can't fight it off as it's part of the maturation of the system. You will likely encounter brown diatom's, hair algae, maybe even some cyano bacteria.

I don't think it's realistic to expect your tank to look pristine the through the process, so my advice is to take a deep breath, enjoy the roller coaster that is in front of you, and learn the management of the tank as it matures.

IMHO, I wouldn't be using any chemicals for algae etc with the tank just 2 weeks old. Let nature do its thing.

 

[Salty Dog24]

+1 with Shaummy

 

[chrisfont23]

It's best to let this run it's course. IMO, perfectly normal for a new tank. Don't dose anything or try to "fix" it.

 

[Arnel0387]

Yup, don't dose anything. You're just wasting money. Continue with your diligent water change, maintenance, etc. I do 10-15% water change/week, change the filter sock once a week, change the GFO and carbon once a month and everything is doing well!

Best CUC for me are Astraea snails (only 4 in my tank), turbo snail (only one), and one fighting conch. No algae on my rocks (just awesome coralline growth!), clean sand bed.

If you need any help/advice, just PM me!