Need advice/ algae bloom help!

SJCfisherman

SJCfisherman

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Hello all, in the last two days I have had this brown algae(diatoms I'm assuming) form on most of my rock. I know it's from running my LEDs and I have been trying to research it but I keep finding different info. How do I treat it? Does it go away on its own? Also should I go get a clean up crew and if so what kind? Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all! -Dylan image.jpg
image.jpg
 
Justkeepswimming

Justkeepswimming

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SJCfisherman said:
Going on 3 weeks. Tested an hour ago results were as follows, no3 160ppm ph 8.2 no2 2.0ppm ammonia 0ppm SG 1.025
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Don't do anything to the tank right now... I would test the tank in about a week, once there is no nitrite or ammonia you can do a series of water changes to reduce the nitrate to almost zero! Your tank would then be cycled and ready for livestock!
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
 
SJCfisherman

SJCfisherman

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Justkeepswimming said:
Don't do anything to the tank right now... I would test the tank in about a week, once there is no nitrite or ammonia you can do a series of water changes to reduce the nitrate to almost zero! Your tank would then be cycled and ready for livestock!
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
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Hey thanks a lot Danny! So those levels sound about right for where I am in the cycle? I appreciate it!
 
SJCfisherman

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Fly5150 said:
Why do you have nitrites? Has your tank fully cycled yet?


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I should be nearing the finish line on the cycle. I am new to this so I don't know about the nitrites. I just tested and wrote the numbers in my log book haha I have been reading a lot but not all of it sticks.
 
Justkeepswimming

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SJCfisherman said:
Hey thanks a lot Danny! So those levels sound about right for where I am in the cycle? I appreciate it!
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Yeah your good! Once there is no nitrite or ammonia you "Usually" should never have to test them again... After your water changes a low level of nitrate is acceptable for to purchase fish, clean up crew, and certain corals (sps like just a trace IMO). Before you go purchasing corals test the phosphate and post those results if you have questions. Develop a plan to keep your tank stable as possible and let it work its magic for best results! Good luck!
 
Justkeepswimming

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SJCfisherman said:
I should be nearing the finish line on the cycle. I am new to this so I don't know about the nitrites. I just tested and wrote the numbers in my log book haha I have been reading a lot but not all of it sticks.
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No worries, it seems like you are taking to proper actions to have a successful tank!
 
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Same thing happened to me. The light cycle starts, the algae bloom appears. It should go away in about a week, thats how long it took for it to die down for me.(with help from astrea snails, but my tank was already cycled) What test kit you using? API? I know API sometimes gives me some wack number, so i just retest and it should give you the correct one if you followed the instructions on the nitrites. If not, you still got a bit more time on that cycle. For CuC, it's not exactly necessary(but they are beneficial under the right circumstances), but if you're intent on getting rid of that brown algae now, then astreas will do the trick. When algae appears, that usually means you have nutrients in the water (for future reference).
 
SJCfisherman

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Blublubub said:
Same thing happened to me. The light cycle starts, the algae bloom appears. It should go away in about a week, thats how long it took for it to die down for me.(with help from astrea snails, but my tank was already cycled) What test kit you using? API? I know API sometimes gives me some wack number, so i just retest and it should give you the correct one if you followed the instructions on the nitrites. If not, you still got a bit more time on that cycle. For CuC, it's not exactly necessary(but they are beneficial under the right circumstances), but if you're intent on getting rid of that brown algae now, then astreas will do the trick. When algae appears, that usually means you have nutrients in the water (for future reference).
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info Gary! Yeah I'm using api. I got the saltwater master pack and I have the reef master pack coming in the mail. I have a Hanna ph meter and a hm digital ppm/multimeter and also just got a refractometer today for good measure (pun intended)lol I have been looking at salifert and will get it for certain parameters when the time (and money) comes. Appreciate the input and advice y'all!
 
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I'd actually look at Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro test kit rather than reef master and salifert. I hear Salifert is a good brand, but it's really expensive per use. Red Sea sells refills, so thats a cheaper option. Just throwing it out there! Of course, it all comes down to what you prefer.
 
Justkeepswimming

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Blublubub said:
I'd actually look at Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro test kit rather than reef master and salifert. I hear Salifert is a good brand, but it's really expensive per use. Red Sea sells refills, so thats a cheaper option. Just throwing it out there! Of course, it all comes down to what you prefer.
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On the flip side, cheaper is not always better in this hobby...

The foundation of your reef tank is your water column parameters, its better to spend the money on a solid proven test kit and know your parameters are where they tested... Its all opinions at this point, ENJOY!!!
 
SJCfisherman

SJCfisherman

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Thanks for all the info guys, I respect all of your opinions. I almost got the Red Sea reef foundation kit in a trade a few days ago but it fell through. I was really looking forward to checking it out too, oh well. Flakey mc flakers. This guy was trying to pass me off some Aquion petco special powerheads off as koralias and thought I was completely stupid or something apparently lol that's a story for another time lol have a good one guys
 
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