brown microalgae

[bellylaugh]

My tank has been set up for 1 month. 38 gallon, fish only(3 small damsels), very fine aragonite substrate, 1 powerhead for circulation, hang on the back power filter (Millenium 2000), 40 watt flourescent striplight, 3 3-pound pieces of live rock. I am starting to get brown microalgae on my substrate and on my live rock. What causes it? How do I get rid of it? How do I keep it away? Please help me, Thank you.

 

[mrmaroon]

I am assuming that the brwon micro algae is a fil and not a hair. This is most likely diatoms which feed on nitrites. What are you test levels? As the Nitrogen cycle continues) the Nitrites fall) the diatoms will die out and most likely be replaced by green hair algae which does not like nitrite but will feed on nitrate. I would not woory about it too much. If it is bad, try some snails. I am just finishing a Nitrogen cycle in a tank and my snails do eat that stuff.

 

[mrmaroon]

That should say film in that prior post not "fil". sorry

 

[puff(er) daddy]

It's called detritus(sp) it's common in newly set up tanks. You can buy sandsifting stars, turbo snails, mexican snails, etc.
Oh, the water you use should not be tap, that also contributs to the break out.