Attack Of The Brown Algea

[jtwilson21]

I have just recently bought some coralife PC lights 2 10,000k and 2 Actinic blue to replace my regular flourescent lights on my 55 gal. I know that when new lighting is introduced to a tank it causes some algae problems, but my question is how long will this problem last? My sand is covered with brown algae and the tank is starting to smell a little like raw oysters or something and i just did a 15% water change two days ago. Please help! thanks.

 

[clarkiiclo]

What kind of water do you use?

 

[jtwilson21]

I use regular tap water, i dont have a reverse osmosis unit or anything like that, i use oceanic salt, my sand bed is not live, and i have 50 lbs of LR. anybody?.................

 

[bigarn]

Is the tank cycleing? Is the LR cured? Use RO water.

 

[arkey.d]

Use distiled water from a grocery store for about 52 cents a gallon or use RO water. If you absolutley need to use tap water at least use Kent's Ammonia Detox or another chem neutralizer.
What are your water levels? NH3, N02, N03, PH, Alk, Phosphate.......
How old is the tank?

 

[clarkiiclo]

Most likely your algae problem is stemming from your tap water. Let us know what your water parameters are.

 

[jtwilson21]

My tank is not cycling and has been up and running for about 6 months now, i have 50 LBS of live rock that has been cured, and until these new lights i put on i have not had one bit of algea problem.

 

[bushviper]

I have had the same problem w/ my tank, I jsut installed the same type of lighting to my established aqurium and I have horrible algea problems. Even w/ my cleaners, sand sifter, live rock and live sand I am still having algea problems. I have no idea how to fix it. I am geting very frustrated w/ it though.

 

[sergeant]

Guys the answer is very simple, dont get frustrated.
Im sure you know that when you replace regular lights for PC or VHO's you are adding a lot more light intensity. Brown algae or diatoms is a process of the natural cycle of your tanks. This let you know that your tank is maturing and everything is going the way is supposed to and is completely normal. To avoid the excess algae growth after a light change you just have to start with fewer hours of light until you get your tanks acostumed to ne new intensity. Start your tank with three hours of new lights the firt day. Increase one hour every day until you get to eight to ten hours or to your normal desired schedule.
Just a reminder, when the time to replace the lightbulbs comes you must replace one bulb at the time giving at least one week interval between bulbs in order to avoid algae blooms. HTH.
Tito

 

[bushviper]

Is it normal for the water to be cloudy during this "maturing" time too? It is kinda mucky looking, even though I do small water changes about once a week...

 

[sjgsm]

It's mucky for no reason? I know if I stir up my sand and such my water can get mucky... but I guess you can try some "Kent Pro Clear" liquid suppliment to try and clear it up...that is if it doesn't clear up by itself... I would much rather go natural... but if it comes down to it...you should try the suppliment

 

[jtwilson21]

ok so it will go awy in time.........good. i didnt start mine out with just three hours of light and eventually increase an hour each day, but i guess thats no biggie. I just want this algea to go way so i can start adding some corals! wooooo!!!!!

 

[bushviper]

Yeh it is mucky for no reason, I put some seachem Clarify in the water, but it only clears it up for a while...I do not have a protien skimmer yet, I have really not needed one up until I put in my new lights, if I get one should it clear it up? Thanks

 

[g-dude]

I also had the same problem at the beginning. A protien skimmer will help. I also noticed that my sea mushrooms liked the SW mucky And spread like mad in just a few months. I also added 3 Nice sized feather dusters to help me with the water cleaning process. Im still new at this and i hope that this will help you and if not at least youll get an idea.
Well good Luck to you
G-dude

 

[bushviper]

thanks, I thnk I iwll invest in a protien skimmer soon

 

[bl117]

Protien skimmer is a must for a salt water tank. the amount of stuff mine filtered out in the first 2 months was amaizing.