algae outbreak

[reefsurfer1]

I have had my tank for 3 weeks now and I have a lot of brown algae. What is the best way to get rid of it. I read the sticky thing, before you ask, and didnt find an exact answer. I wanted to get some first hand advice. My salt levels are fine, my tank is lit 8.5 hours a day, but I have been using tap water in the tank. I just added two clown fish and 5 hermit crabs and when I test the water everything is fine. Thanks for your help.

[Parrothead]

Number 1, way to early to add fish and the crabs, a tank needs time to mature, you said your salt levels are fine, what about the amm., nitrite, nitrates and pH????? I'm assuming you own a test kit. If so test and post your results for the above mentioned test

As for the brown algea, that is probably diatoms, comes with the program and will eventually fade away on its own, if proper care is taken.

I would stop using tap water for your tank, the stuff is barely fit for human consumption and is full of stuff that we don't want in our tanks, use ro, ro/di, or distilled water. You can buy distilled water in gallon jugs, and most wal-marts or grocery stores have a drinking water machine in the store, most of these are at least ro water.

Also what size tank to you have??????????


And welcome to Reefland

[reefsurfer1]

I have an 85 gallon tank and I do own a test kit. The ph was 7.8, ammonia and nitrites are 0, and nitrates are 10. I am looking into a ro/di system right now, and that sucks that it is too early to buy fish, the guy at the fish store said I would be ready to go. He did give me a conditioner that changes the ammonia and nitrites for my tank. Any help is appreciated thanks.

[Parrothead]

if the readings are accurate you are fine with the livestock you've added, just go really slow and remember that your tank needs time to adjust each time you add something. The brown algea as mentioned will fade away in time.

What kind of lighting are you using? Any other weird looking algea or just the brown stuff????

[reefsurfer1]

I have some green algae and some of the brown algae is long and hairy. If I understand you right, I shouldnt clean the tank, just let the tank run its course. And I'm using HO bulbs when I am off work I will check the specs. I was thinking about adding more live rock in the next week or two. Is that a good idea? I only have 1 rock that is 14 lbs.

[Parrothead]

Not knowing a whole lot about your tank, I would suggest about 3 - 5 mexican turbo snails asap, and do some research on a clean up crew.

And you need a helluva lot more live rock , to the tune of about 80 lbs:eek3::eek3::eek3:

I'm not joking, start shopping for some live rock.

What is your filtration set-up, E.G. wet/dry with or with out bio balls, etc. We need details

[reefsurfer1]

I have a fluval 305 canister filter, a protein skimmer and a power head. That's it. What else would you suggest? I will stop on the way home for the turbo snails. Thanks for your help. I do a lot of reading but there is so Much to learn. Is it ok to buy live rock online, second hand? I see it for 1-2 dollars a lb as opposed to 6-13 dollars a lb

[Parrothead]

Give me a minute or a couple of hours on the live rock, might have something for you.

you are good for now, but please start reading up on sumps and over flow boxes, you are not gonna be happy with what you have trying to keep a 85 gal. looking good, give me a few, I'll be right back.

[reefsurfer1]

Cool thanks for your help

[Parrothead]

The problem with buying on line is you never know what you are gonna get. Also buying second hand can be very risky as you don't really know the history of the tank the rock is coming out of. There are some good on-line suppliers that you can use. And 6.00 a lb isn't bad, especially if you can find a supplier offering free shipping.

[Flyboy450r]

I got my live rock from liveaquaria.com and I love my rock. I was able to get 45 pounds for 2-2.50 a pound shipped cant remember. But it has Great color, great sizes and shapes. Id look into it but thats just my 2 cents. Either way good luck

[reefsurfer1]

I will check it out thank you, and I bought some turbo snails yesterday and they are helping out a lot. Thanks again!