New tank, 2 days after live rock, brown algae

[paultaylor]

Hi All,

Newbie in the process of setting up first tank.

Cured live rock went into the tank three days ago :

http://chapelle.netculture.net/aquarium/Sand_only_2.jpg
http://chapelle.netculture.net/aquarium/live_rock_1.jpg
http://chapelle.netculture.net/aquarium/live_rock_2.jpg
http://chapelle.netculture.net/aquarium/live_rock_3.jpg

Setup with RO/DI water.

I have checked the water each day since, and also just now:

Temp 26°C
SG : 1.023
pH : 8.2
Nitrate : 0.1 ppm
Nitrate : 2.5 ppm
Ammonia : 0.25 ppm

Tonight I have noticed the live rock is covered with brown algae..

http://chapelle.netculture.net/aquarium/brown_algae_1.jpg
http://chapelle.netculture.net/aquarium/brown_algae_2.jpg
http://chapelle.netculture.net/aquarium/brown_algae_3.jpg
http://chapelle.netculture.net/aquarium/brown_algae_4.jpg

Is this normal for the brown algae to appear ? :?

Paul

 

[WannaBeReefer]

Yes, it is normal when you first set up your tank. Most likely it is diatom.

 

[paultaylor]

Yes, it is normal when you first set up your tank. Most likely it is diatom.

Thanks for the reply. I've spent a bit of time researching since my message and have a better idea what to expect. I was prepared for the changes in my water tests but didn't realise that different algae outbreaks would occur.

Is there a set routine for this, like brown, green and maybe red algae before the cycle finishes or is this very hard to predict.

Thanks again for the reply.

Paul

 

[Anonymous]

No, no real routine..I never had any of the other algae outbreaks, like hair algae..an occasionaly cyano break out but mainly the diatoms..it took me awhile for them to go away

 

[krullulon]

i started with brown algae that was replaced with hair algae that's now been replaced with bubble algae and bryopsis. :twisted: i'm at 7 weeks post-cycle.

i threw-in a bunch of snails and a few black-and-white hermits to help with the other algaes, and i may get a lettuce nudibranch for the bryopsis... i'm taking a wait-and-see approach with the bubble algae because i'd rather not mess with an emerald crab.

in any case, my algae "cycle" was totally different than some of the other folks i know. i don't think it's a very predictable cycle. best thing to do is make sure you're limiting nutrients, using high-quality water for changes/top-offs and have the right range of cleanup critters.

 

[Anonymous]

Perfectly normal.. start adding some critters. Snails, hermits, etc. A cleanup crew would give you some excitment too. Start skimming too. It will help you take out excess nutrients too.
Nice setup!
~wings~

 

[paultaylor]

Does this mean I don't need to wait for the Ammonia cycle to be over before I put in a cleanup crew ? BTW I have not seen it start yet.

Also I put in the live rock one week ago. I am going on holiday in two weeks for two weeks and will not have anyone to spend too much time on the aquarium. Would it therefore be better to therefore wait to put in the cleanup crew until I get back ?

Paul

PS. I've been skimming since the live rock went in.

 

[ChrisRD]

I recommend holding-off on adding anything until you get back from vacation.

IMO it's best to wait at least a month after setting up a new tank before you start adding anything - regardless of test kit readings. This gives your system a chance to build-up a decent pod population.

IMO the slower you go the better...

 

[paultaylor]

I recommend holding-off on adding anything until you get back from vacation.

IMO it's best to wait at least a month after setting up a new tank before you start adding anything - regardless of test kit readings. This gives your system a chance to build-up a decent pod population.

Great thanks for your reply.

Just to check, the brown algae build up will be ok left like it is then for the next few weeks ?

Paul

 

[ChrisRD]

Yeah, don't worry about it - it will subside. You'll likely see some green algae follow, then a bunch of pods will generally start popping-up and eating it. By then you'll be ready to add a few snails, etc.

 

[paultaylor]

Yeah, don't worry about it - it will subside. You'll likely see some green algae follow, then a bunch of pods will generally start popping-up and eating it. By then you'll be ready to add a few snails, etc.

Excellent, just what I hoped. Something to look forward to when back from diving.

Thanks everyone for all your replies.

Paul

 

[ricky1414]

Darn you Europeans with your trimless glass tanks!!! I'm gonna go to Europe and steal one for myself. :twisted: