Brown algae-HELP!

[coralreeferrn]

I am already having issues with a lot of brown algae.I have a 14g biocube with only 5 hermits right now(just setting it up). What are some recommendations for good clean-up crew to help with this? Also, when I clean my tank can I use my algae scrubber on my live rocks to get some of the brown algae off or is that a big no-no?? I also read somewhere that it helps just to turn your lights off just for an hour during the day to help stop algae growth. Do any of you do this? Help this newbie out, please!!

 

[lobstah]

First thing everyone will need to know is if you are using tap water or RO/Di water? Im guessing its probably diatoms your dealing with due to phosphates(sp?). It should go away over time and using RO water. Im still pretty new but I think that should help

 

[coralreeferrn]

I actually haven't even done my first h20 change yet but I have ro h20 here at the house to use.

 

[lobstah]

I would just give it sometime then, I had it in my tank when I first started it for about a month. I made the mistake of starting with tap water

I have since switched to RO water and I usally stir up my sand a little, that may be a bad idea IDK but I did it, I never have scrubed my LR for it though? So IDK if that would be a good idea or not. But I think if you just give it some time it should go away on its own.

 

[coralreeferrn]

Here is the brown algae I was referring to. All you seasoned people out there can let me know if that is what it really is and what I can do about it. I thought the pic would help out!

 

[srfisher17]

Diatoms are a normal part of a new tank cycling and getting established. If you have them in an established tank; the culprits usually are high nitrates, silicates, phosphates.

 

[casper1875]

Welcome to SWF. It's part of the new set up. It should go away. Give it some time. You could also look in the Nano section for some more information.

 

[payton 350]

You will go through a couple of gross and frustrating periods with a new tank.......brown diatoms, cynobacteria, and hair algae....are all gonna happen so be ready to deal with them and have lots and lots of patience.
yes you can scrub your rock to clean it (it will probably come right back though).....either in the tank or outta the tank with saltwater.....you won't hurt or kill anything