newb question

[bni1029]

Hello everyone,

I just started my first saltwater tank. I have a 29g with a 2inch live sand bed and about 35 pounds of live rock. I also have about 6 hermit crabs, and about 10 snails. I just recently put in two damsels. I have a millenium3000 filter, and a small power head. The tank has been up for about 4 to 5 weeks. My water parameters are:

nitrate between 5&10ppm
amonia 0-5ppm
nitrite about 0-5ppm
ph 8.2

My question is lately there has been a lot of brown algae forming all over the place, on glass, rocks, and sand bed. I also noticed in some places the algae is green. Is this a normal part of the cycling process? Should I clean the glass and sand bed? Or should I just leave the algae alone? Also I have a 30inch coralife dual65 watt pc. How long should I wait before I start adding any soft corals?

Anyones help will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Brian

[Reefland]

Hi bni1029, Welcome to Reefland!

The algae you are seeing is actually diatoms, which have a brown dusty/rusty appearance. This is a pretty standard step in a new aquarium and not much can be done to avoid it. Good water circulation and siphoning it out will help while the tank continues to cycle through and mature.

I would give your tank a few more weeks before adding any coral. The diatoms can grow on coral and sufficate them so waiting until the initial bloom is over would be a good idea.

Scott Z.