Brown algae

[scottbert]

Well, after about a week with a raw shrimp in the tank, I noticed today some brown algae on the rocks. Not a lot, but some. I take it this is a normal part of the cycle process. I checked my levels and from what I can see I am still at 0 for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates....is that normal with what I am seeing? What should I be expecting here?

 

[silverado61]

Anybody feel free to correct me or add anything if I'm wrong but I believe what you have is a diatom bloom which is a natural step in the cycling process. Good for the rock and good for the tank. Just to be safe, can you post a photo?

Did you just throw the shrimp in or is it in a nylon bag? Makes it easier to get it out when the time comes because it will just fall apart when you try t remove it..

 

[scottbert]

I am at work and can add a picture when I get home. The shrimp is in a net in the tank so all good there.

 

[innerdragon103]

Betting it's diatoms. The waiting part's the worst - can't wait to start filling it with all sorts of goodies! I wouldn't be surprised if hair algae also grew after a while.
Pics?

 

[scottbert]

Ok here is a picture of what I am talking about. I'm going to test the water in a little bit and see it's anything is happening.

 

[grant778]

Yep they are diatoms.

 

[scottbert]

Meaning.....??? Cycle has started? Finnished??

 

[scottbert]

Can I put a clean up crew in yet?

 

[silverado61]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottbert http:///t/396993/brown-algae#post_3537461
Meaning.....??? Cycle has started? Finnished??
Only testing can answer that question. Has your ammonia spiked to 1 yet? What about your Nitrites? If you post your exact test results somebody can give you a better idea of where your cycle is at.

As Flower says: "Cycles don't punch a time clock." Or something like that. It could take 2 weeks or it could take 2 months. It all depends on what you've done with/to the tank to get the cycle going.

 

[silverado61]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottbert http:///t/396993/brown-algae#post_3537463
Can I put a clean up crew in yet?
I'd hold off on that till you get answers on the cycle question.

 

[scottbert]

Well, as of this morning, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate were all at 0...and the shrimp is still in there.

 

[silverado61]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottbert http:///t/396993/brown-algae#post_3537474
Well, as of this morning, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate were all at 0...and the shrimp is still in there.
But as you've stated, the tanks only a week old. Again, has anything spiked?

 

[scottbert]

Nope, I haven't seen a spike in anything. Unless it happened during the 4 days that I was on shift, couldn't do tests on those days.

 

[silverado61]

IMO, what I would do if I haven't seen a spike is to wait another 3 weeks and keep testing and do water changes. If you put in a cuc and it hasn't spiked, you could lose everything when it does. I had a mini spike and thinking it was a full spike, I added a fish and cuc crew. Then the real spike came and killed everything. Patience is the true key in this hobby.

 

[scottbert]

Just do 10% every week water change and wait...sounds like fun. Lol. I'd rather be safe than sorry though. Good call.

 

[silverado61]

4 day shift. Sounds like your a Fireman or a Paramedic . Am I correct?

 

[scottbert]

Close...cop...but I won't take offence hahaha

 

[silverado61]

Even so, allow me to figuratively shake your hand for putting your life on the line every day. Especially in this day in age.

 

[scottbert]

Well...can't say I've had that before! Thanks! I really appreciate that!