brown algea

[cjjc37]

This is my first post. I started a 42 gallon hex tank. I put
in 1 inch of l/s and 39 pounds of l/r. I have a coralife light(130 watt), a filstar xp2 canister filter, a prizm skimmer. I have
3 yellow tale damsels, and two domino's. I put in 5 hermits and
3 turbo's about a week ago. The tank has been going for
three weeks and now i'm getting some brown algea all over
everything. Do you think something is wrong or i just dont have
enough to clean the tank right now. Should i add something. Thanks for the help.

 

[bwets_angel]

I woukdn't worry as long as the brown algea turns into green algea within a week or so.

 

[rickycobra]

Are you using tap water?

 

[lilcheen]

i pretty much have the same problem, as yes, i am using tap water.

 

[killafins]

is ur ammonia sparking yet? usually the brown growth means the start of the cycle (or the start of the spyke) my ammonia for my new tank spyked up and went down without me noticing as the brown algae grew. I am sure your little creatures will have a ball with there food. After the cycle is done, add some snails..

 

[landlocked]

I also have a question (my first!) about brown algae and am about done cycling, so apparently this is normal. I have been 'lurking' and reading and AM NOT a troll!! I should say that my original idea was to have a tank with lots of pretty color swimming around and be able to pull up a barstool, drink rum punch and pretend that I was in Grand Cayman. Found out lots since then........talked my husband out of all tangs or all clowns.
Here is what I have: CC about 1" in a 75 gal. FO with Bio-Balls (yes, I know but the system was a gift and came as-is) and 4 mollies since 1/25.
The only other things I have put in are fake plants, dead coral decorations and barnacles, all supposed to be safe and compatible. Algae appeared about 10 days ago and is pretty thick now. Doesn't seem to bother the fish. Have cut back on food a lot and turned the lights on for 10 hours a day only.
Questions:
1. Should I buy a vacuum? (didn't know that about CC and maybe would have gone with LS but have some really stupid input from LFS).
2. Would I be better off to switch to LS now before I add $$$$ fish?
3. Should I just add a cleanup crew? Looks like I am finally about done cycling.
4. Is there somewhere more appropriate to ask FO questions since I don't really want to go reef as a newbie?
Here are my water settings for yesterday: ph 8.2, SG 1.021, ammonia 0, nitrates 10, nitrites 2.0
Any input would be welcome!

 

[landlocked]

Also, I forgot to ask about a protein skimmer. The guy we got the tank from thinks he has one.
I should say that this used to be a discus breeding tank and was state of the art about 10 years ago. Will attach some pictures if I can figure out how.
The goal is to have the water a little more clear by our Hobie Sailing Fleet party on 3/22.
Not really planning to add 'real' fish until after we go to St. Maarten for a week in early April!
Thanks!