Brown algae...help!

[marcs4020]

I recently puchased a new lighting fixture for my tank, it is two 18 inch tubes as opposed to the single tube that I had before that. I have had it on the tank now for about two weeks and I have had a huge increase in the amount of brow algae. The question that I was wondering about is: Should I use my gravel vac and clean it off or just let it go? It seems to be taking over the tank and I don't know what to do. If anyone has any suggestions that would be great.
Marc

 

[joker_ca]

check your water parameters, also clean out any prefilters or biological media you might have
high phosphate levels cause diatoms to take over your tank check that also

 

[stuckinfla]

Any time you add/change lights, you need to acclimate the tank to reduce the algea breakout. Its from the lights.....it'll go away.

 

[marcs4020]

So if it is from the lights should I gravel vac my crushed coral or just let it go away by itself..
thanks for the help,
marc

 

[thomas712]

Always vaccum your crushed coral... to keep it clean and from trapping uneaten food and waste.
In fact, think about removing the crushed coral and going with sand.
I refer you to the sticky at the top of the new hobbyists forum, advise for new hobbyists, for further imput between crushed coral and sand.
Thomas
Welcome to the board