reef tank 2.0
Member
my tank looks the same way as well. It is a new tank, but I'm in the same boat.........I'm following this discussion as well.
Why is my brown & Algae So bad?
- Thread starter JMcGarva
- Start date
bshow24
Member
Sounds (and looks) like a diatom bloom.
How long has the tank been setup? Usually diatom blooms are for relatively new tanks, but even established tanks can get them. I had the same situation when I changed my lighting, I ended up changing my GFO out once a week and keeping up on 20% water changes. I also added in another powerhead to eliminate dead spots. Ever since doing this, zero diatoms.
Diatom blooms also demonstrate high nitrates and phosphates, and although you may not read these as high, they still are because the algae is using these nutrients to grow.
How long has the tank been setup? Usually diatom blooms are for relatively new tanks, but even established tanks can get them. I had the same situation when I changed my lighting, I ended up changing my GFO out once a week and keeping up on 20% water changes. I also added in another powerhead to eliminate dead spots. Ever since doing this, zero diatoms.
Diatom blooms also demonstrate high nitrates and phosphates, and although you may not read these as high, they still are because the algae is using these nutrients to grow.
tanyamikephil
New member
Im new at this to and had the same brown algae issue on the glass and substrate. I was having to clean the glass every single day. I tried all kinds of tips but then I went to my local reef tank store and the owner recommended i use a solution called 'Vibrant' - for reef aquariums and its made by Underwater Creations. He told me to add 2ml every other day and then once the brown algae was gone to use it once a week for maintenance.
My brown algae problem was cured...within 2 DAYS! This stuff worked great. That was over 2 months ago now and it has not been an issue since.
My brown algae problem was cured...within 2 DAYS! This stuff worked great. That was over 2 months ago now and it has not been an issue since.
I had plenty of diatom bloom in the first few months of getting my tank setup. Ive had this tank for 2 years and have had the these lights since Oct of last year.
The diatom bloom I had in the beginning was on the rocks, glass, and in the sand. NOW, this brown is ONLY on the glass and where the lights hit. Under the rocks like a "shady" spot, the brown doesnt grow. Would diatom bloom will do this?
The diatom bloom I had in the beginning was on the rocks, glass, and in the sand. NOW, this brown is ONLY on the glass and where the lights hit. Under the rocks like a "shady" spot, the brown doesnt grow. Would diatom bloom will do this?
bshow24
Member
It looks like diatoms. I just went through this but even if you have enough flow in your tank, make sure you don't have any dead spots. This is what helped me eliminate the problem.
Also, I would suggest running GFO and adding Chaeto or some other type of macro algae to your sump (if it doesn't have this already). Both will help eliminate phosphates and will eventually lead to the algae in your tank being starved out. I know you said before your phosphates are .03, which isn't an issue, but you have to remember the algae that is growing is taking up some of those nutrients. Add these add these and it should help clean your tank up a lot.
Also, I would suggest running GFO and adding Chaeto or some other type of macro algae to your sump (if it doesn't have this already). Both will help eliminate phosphates and will eventually lead to the algae in your tank being starved out. I know you said before your phosphates are .03, which isn't an issue, but you have to remember the algae that is growing is taking up some of those nutrients. Add these add these and it should help clean your tank up a lot.
I am running some type of grass in my sump im not sure which kind ill see if I can get a picture. How do i run the GFO? Like in a bag?
I will look into the 'Vibrant' stuff as well.
I already tried the running the tank dark for 3 days. I had it dark in the entire house for 3 days. All the blinds closed and any light was far from the tank. I have corals and yes this ****ed them out but they were fine.
I added 2 more power heads and the issue Im running into is the sand moving. I have a bed of about 2-3 inches and it will move it so much it will get to the glass bottom. I keep moving the power heads around to try and get the sand to move minimal..
I will look into the 'Vibrant' stuff as well.
I already tried the running the tank dark for 3 days. I had it dark in the entire house for 3 days. All the blinds closed and any light was far from the tank. I have corals and yes this ****ed them out but they were fine.
I added 2 more power heads and the issue Im running into is the sand moving. I have a bed of about 2-3 inches and it will move it so much it will get to the glass bottom. I keep moving the power heads around to try and get the sand to move minimal..
bshow24
Member
Usually the best placement for powerheads is on each side of the tank, directly across from each other. Then when their flows hit, they cause a random action throughout the tank (if strong enough).
GFO can be run in a media bag, but I'd suggest utilizing a media reactor as you want it to tumble ever so gently. I actually run mine off of my return pump to simplify the plumbing and amount of things running in my tank. This will pay off almost immediately. Just make sure you are changing the media every 2-4 weeks.
GFO can be run in a media bag, but I'd suggest utilizing a media reactor as you want it to tumble ever so gently. I actually run mine off of my return pump to simplify the plumbing and amount of things running in my tank. This will pay off almost immediately. Just make sure you are changing the media every 2-4 weeks.
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