New to saltwater. Algae growing fast

[AGSG]

We just started our new tank 6 days ago.
Day 1 we cleaned crushed coral and put in tank for 1 day by itself and let filter and and get clear.
Day 2 we put in dry rock and let it filter for 2 days we cleaned it with fresh tap water only and a brand new scrub brush.
Day 4 we added live Rock.
Day 5 there is algae on the dry rock and the live rock is changing colors. Tank is clear and salt levels are good. We are testing PH and Nitrates tonight. But we were told it would take about 5 days before the rocks changed and started getting algae. Is this too fast? Also the algae that I've seen is a slimy looking green algae and what we have looks like moss. Please help this super excited new saltwater hobbiest

 

[Diana A]

You didn't cure your dry rock? The slimy green algae is from your cycling of your tank. You have a while before your tank is completely cycled. When you get your Mg, NO3, Ca and KH/Alk test kits, don't test every day.

Dry Rock: .5 cups non scented(non gel also) regular bleach per 5 gallons of fresh water(not tap).

Soak 24h

Let dry completely.

Cure the rock in saltwater outside of the tank for a few months. If you are seeing high phosphates in the water I would look into using lanthinum chloride followed up by gfo to remove the phosphates. Do a search on rc for some threads.

I wouldn't put the rock in the tank until it is ready and the excess nutrients removed.

 

[AGSG]

You didn't cure your dry rock? The slimy green algae is from your cycling of your tank. You have a while before your tank is completely cycled. When you get your Mg, NO3, Ca and KH/Alk test kits, don't test every day.

Dry Rock: .5 cups non scented(non gel also) regular bleach per 5 gallons of fresh water(not tap).

Soak 24h

Let dry completely.

Cure the rock in saltwater outside of the tank for a few months. If you are seeing high phosphates in the water I would look into using lanthinum chloride followed up by gfo to remove the phosphates. Do a search on rc for some threads.

I wouldn't put the rock in the tank until it is ready and the excess nutrients removed.

Thank you! I will test the water tonight and take out the dry rock.



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[BJ Kot]

As was mentioned the algae growth is normal for cycling of a new tank. I would make sure you read up on the cycling process as much as possible. This is a very important aspect of any new tank and takes TIME. Be patient and while you are waiting for this to occur read, read, read! The worst thing you can do in this hobby is go into it unprepared. There is a lot of great information out there. This is a hobby that is a continuous learning experience. It can be one of the most rewarding things you do, or it can be the most frustrating thing you do. It all depends on how much time you put in to learning the important aspects and asking questions when you have them to prevent becoming one of the latter hobbyists. The more time spent learning now, the less time and money will spent later learning from mistakes that could have been prevented. Best of luck!

 

[JUNBUG361]

Take it a day at time & be patient during the cycle period

 

[AGSG]

As was mentioned the algae growth is normal for cycling of a new tank. I would make sure you read up on the cycling process as much as possible. This is a very important aspect of any new tank and takes TIME. Be patient and while you are waiting for this to occur read, read, read! The worst thing you can do in this hobby is go into it unprepared. There is a lot of great information out there. This is a hobby that is a continuous learning experience. It can be one of the most rewarding things you do, or it can be the most frustrating thing you do. It all depends on how much time you put in to learning the important aspects and asking questions when you have them to prevent becoming one of the latter hobbyists. The more time spent learning now, the less time and money will spent later learning from mistakes that could have been prevented. Best of luck!

I've attached a picture. I believe we are doing everything in the right order and at the right time. We've been reading like crazy but so many things we are seeing multiple ways of doing things. What is confusing is that I thought it would be slower and it seems to be going faster than I thought it would.
Does the algae in the picture look right or so I need to get it out of the tank?




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[Diana A]

Your dry rock is going to leach out PO4 for a long time if you don't cure it. It will be a big battle if you don't take it slow. There are no short cuts in marine aquariums.

 

[crawlerman]

The dry rock you have is full of phosphates. This is what the algae is feeding on. Completely normal. Since you put the dry rock in without curing it you will probably need to run some GFO in a reactor. I have no experience with it, but have read lanthinum chloride is a much cheaper way to reduce phosphate levels. You should be testing your phosphate levels as well as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. For now you should just test for ammonia and nitrites to track your cycle. Once ammonia and nitrites are done you can start working on everything else.

 

[AGSG]

The dry rock you have is full of phosphates. This is what the algae is feeding on. Completely normal. Since you put the dry rock in without curing it you will probably need to run some GFO in a reactor. I have no experience with it, but have read lanthinum chloride is a much cheaper way to reduce phosphate levels. You should be testing your phosphate levels as well as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. For now you should just test for ammonia and nitrites to track your cycle. Once ammonia and nitrites are done you can start working on everything else.

Thank you! I will test everything tonight and for sure be reading more in curing dry rock.


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[SammyL]

Your dry rock is going to leach out PO4 for a long time if you don't cure it. It will be a big battle if you don't take it slow. There are no short cuts in marine aquariums.

What an accurate statement, there is no fast track!

 

[AGSG]

PH - 8.2. Ammonia- .25. Nitrites- 0. Nitrates- 5. Salinity 35.


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[AGSG]

We are not trying to rush things. My LFS told me we could put the dry rock in. I cane on here to get advice from people that may have known. I get it not to rush and will be continuing to research dry rock but please believe I'm not rushing


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[zsuman101]

are you using tap water or ro/di

 

[AGSG]

RO


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[WatDatThing]

I find that only the owner of the lfs is knowledgeable. Their employees are clueless. So if you must seek advice while you're there, talk to the owner. Otherwise, Reef Central is your best source.

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