New Reefer. Brown Algae in refugium.

[99DJ]

55gal with a 20gal sump with refugium(Cheetah Morpheus algae and Mirical mud w/1inch sand bed in the fug).
Corallife 125gal skimmer
Advantage Ultraviolet Sterilizer 8watt
1200gph return pump
900gph power head and 1200gph power head
50lbs of Key Largo dry rock
15lbs of live rock


I'm new to the hobby. I started my tank 16 days ago. It cycled with in the first two weeks. My PH is 8.2 which is kind of low I think? Salinity 1.024.

I added a clown fish yesterday. I have noticed brown algae (Diatoms?) growing in my refugium on the glass and sand but not in the main tank. I also keep the refugium lighted 24/7. Is this normal? I have been cleaning the glass every few days. Do I let it run its course or do I put some inverts in the refugium?

 

[Clink51]

PH is where its supposed to be. Quick cycle too... the brown stuff is common on new tanks dont worry about it, it will clear up in a few days-weeks.

Keep the fuge light on during the times your tank light is off

 

[Carrillowilliam]

Your tank still is cycling. Inverts were grow in there over time. Give it time till your fully cycled. You got one biggggg return pump lol

 

[99DJ]

Thanks for the replies. Clink so your saying reverse cycle for the fuge?
I have heard both ways are beneficial.
The return is only pushing around 900gph.

 

[99DJ]

Any recommendations on beginner corals? I was thinking of adding a some in a few weeks.

 

[Clink51]

Not necessarily reverse but since u have lights running 24/7 on the fuge., it likely gets hit first. the brown will hit the DT in a few days and go away just as quick.

Zoas, Palys, Xenia are great starters. Zoas were my first and are doing wonderfully in my tank. i used this simple article to make my first choices:
http://www.azfishkeeping.com/content.php?c_id=67