algae problem

[reefNewbie]

It appears as though my tanks substrate is starting to turn a redish brown. I have already cut feedings down to once a day, any other suggestions on how to supress the algae from growing anymore? tank is a little over 2 weeks old and im assuming this should just be the natural part of the cycle, right?

 

[theroryshow]

ya it is part of the cycle. Try increasing circulation over your sandbed, that will probably help the most. Possibly reducing the time your lights are on might help as well

 

[Tony Quinn]

Yes! do that and don't add any iron supplements to your reef, this will accentuate any problems!

 

[smokin reefer]

cut down on fish food, frequent water changes, and some carbon filtration if you have it handy. I also got a small hose (1/4in size) and vacumed that ugly stuff out. Be pataint and it will go away.

 

[danmhippo]

Why are you feeding the tank if it's only 2 weeks old? Are you already cycling it with fish? 8O :evil:

 

[LilFishInBigPond]

Sounds like diatoms, I wouldn't worry, like you said, its just a part of cycling.

Feeding a tank during cycling adds a source of food for bacteria your trying to culture (cycle). There needs to be some source to start from or grow from. People use all kinds of methods of supplying the various bacterias food, from dead fish to the raw chemical compounds.

Doing water change in 1st month is wrong, imho, removing SMALL amounts of water w/ algea is ok. In the long run, good old hermits, snails and brittles stars will help dust surface of substrate.