Rust colored algae? Please help!

[Fish R.Ph.]

Hi everyone,

Well, my FOWLR tank is about 5 months old now. Lately I have noticed an increasing amount of some sort of rust colored algae that grows across the bottom of the tank, on the substrate.

I can stir it up with a stiff piece of tubing and it looks better for a day or two, but then it comes right back.

Is this something to be concerned about? My water parameters are good (ammonia = 0, nitrite = 0, nitrate < 10).

I do probably run my lighting too long, probably 14 hours a day….

I feed twice a day (flakes, some frozen mysis & brine, blood worms), just as much as the 3 fish can consume in under 2 minutes. Not much hits the bottom.

I only have 3 Turbo snails and about 8-10 Nassarius, 1 blue leg hermit. Should I increase my snails?

Anyway…any thoughts?? I do get a bit envious of pics I see with nice clean substrate surfaces.

I am trying to post some pictures below. I don’t know if this will work…I’m new to using photobucket.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...e/IM000037.jpg

[Reefland]

You can use the Manage Attachments button under the message editor to post pictures, and can also use your personal gallery.

Anyhow, it sounds like diatoms which are pretty common in new aqauriums and when silicates are present. You might try to reduce your photo period by a couple of hours (which might help) and give it a couple of weeks to see what happens. If the diatoms are not clearing I would look into silicates. What kind of substrate did you use?

[Fish R.Ph.]

You can use the Manage Attachments button under the message editor to post pictures, and can also use your personal gallery.

Anyhow, it sounds like diatoms which are pretty common in new aqauriums and when silicates are present. You might try to reduce your photo period by a couple of hours (which might help) and give it a couple of weeks to see what happens. If the diatoms are not clearing I would look into silicates. What kind of substrate did you use?

Thanks Scott,

I use CaribSea Aragonite.

I will have my LFS check my water for silicate and maybe phosphates. I do use RO water for changes. I will also reduce my photo period a bit, as you suggest, and give it a few weeks.

I'll try to be even more careful with my feedings. And maybe I need to move my little powerhead (Eheim, 80 gph) down lower in the tank to improve circulation down there?

As usual...you have been very helpful. Here is another pic of the ugly stuff :

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...e/IM000036.jpg


Thanks again,
Jason

[Reefland]

Jason,

Yeah it is just diatoms and nothing to really worry about. I am a bit surprised that it is happening after 5 months but I think within a few weeks it will go away.