Brown Alge

[laxzach]

I have a new saltwater fish tank it has been up for about 2-3weeks. I only have 6lbs of live rock and about 41lbs of base rock. My entire tank is filled with brown alge. Is this normal?

 

[drew2005]

Originally Posted by Laxzach
I have a new saltwater fish tank it has been up for about 2-3weeks. I only have 6lbs of live rock and about 41lbs of base rock. My entire tank is filled with brown alge. Is this normal?
Thats normal for new tanks. Its called diatoms. It will eventually go away as your tank matures. What type of water are you using?

 

[laxzach]

What do you mean what type of water. I used hose water and put declorinator in it then put salt in it.

 

[drewsta]

Thats your problem you need to use RO or RO/DI water only

. You also need to make sure your specific gravity (SG) is around 1.025. Get yourself a hydrometer from your LFS for $3.00

 

[laxzach]

My SG is at 1.025 but what is RO water?

 

[jsgreer1]

his water isnt the problem with the diatoms, diatoms happen in most new tanks. although ro water would be better from other ppls opinion i have never used it and never had a problem. but diatoms has nothing to do with what kind of water you use

 

[drew2005]

His tap water could be high in silicate which promotes diatom outbreaks. Lighting could also be a factor. Although, diatoms could appear with use of RO water but it is more likely to happen with common tap water. If your curing rock in the tank at the same time your cycling then the die off could cause excess nutrients. Excess nutrients also feed the diatoms. Eventually it will all go away. Its actually a good thing to see, even though it is unsightly, because you know your tank is progressing. Good luck.

 

[laxzach]

Thanks for all the help. I thought my tank was getting destoryed or something.

 

[glowplug]

I use Ro water and I still have diatoms after 2 1/2 months

 

[jtizzle120]

i use Ro/Di water and i still have brown algea however i dont think it is as bad as when i use to use tap water