What is this growing on my rocks?
- Thread starter ibrat82
- Start date
TimeConsumer
Active member
Diatoms. That rock looks brand new, hold old is this tank? It is common for new tanks to get several different algae blooms as the ecology balances itself. Don't worry about it.
It's a month old tank. Is this something that should be controlled? I've been reading on this forum from feed less to shut off lights for a few days.
TimeConsumer
Active member
For now you're fine. Let the tank do its thing. It is very common for new reefers to overfeed so you may need to get a handle on that. Otherwise just practice good husbandry and maintain water changes, etc. Don't be surprised when the diatoms go away you get a little cyano, then some dinos, then some film algae, then some hair algae, then some bubble algae. You'll also see blooms of animals: copepods, collonista snails, bristle worms, feather dusters. The biosphere of your tank is extremely complex and the life will develop a pecking order.
The most important thing you can do is to maintain a stable environment (salinity, calc, alk, etc), with high water quality. And don't be afraid of diversity, the micro life of your tank is a beautiful thing. Eventually you may decide you want to run GFO or use macro algae as an export mechanism to make life easier. But nothing is a replacement for water changes and proper care of your animals.
The most important thing you can do is to maintain a stable environment (salinity, calc, alk, etc), with high water quality. And don't be afraid of diversity, the micro life of your tank is a beautiful thing. Eventually you may decide you want to run GFO or use macro algae as an export mechanism to make life easier. But nothing is a replacement for water changes and proper care of your animals.
