[rugerman]

i put live rock in my new tank a week ago and now I have brown algae all over the sand and live rock in my tank.Is this normal? If not could someone give me some advise on how to take care of it.Thanks

[Reefland]

Hi rugerman,

It is totally normal and should go away on it's own in a few weeks. Diatom blooms are natural in new tanks. I wouldn't take any measures to get rid of it, just let it run it's course. Although unsightly, letting it reside on it's own is the best method.

[BubbaWPB]

I think that a warning "A diatom bloom will happen when the tank is first set up!" should be included with every saltwater aquarium sold! (and on salt mix!) It freaks just about everyone out. I know I had agita over it... and it's perfectly normal.

[showfish]

Perfectly normal for a new setup, in fact after the browm Diatoms you will more than likely have green (Chlorophyta) type growing. The green algae will soon out compete the brown for nutrients, and the brown will fade away. Don't worry all will pass with time.

[queenangelRIP]

yes this is normal but i have a serios algee probalem i have green algee red slime brown algee it realy makes my tank look bad and i have tried 6 diferent methods of getting rid of it and non have worked these include algeecides live plants and filter pads any one have any sugestions for me

[BubbaWPB]

Green algae and red slime are not the same as diatoms... the former should be dealt with aggressively, IMHO.

[jollopee]

Im glad I did a brown algae search before makeing any haste decisions. My tank has got brown algae EVERYWHERE. I cant wait for the green and red stuff to take over. I almost bought a bunch of snails,not going to now.

Todd