Diatoms in cycling tank- any advice?

[a&m '96]

I've got a 65 gallon tank that's about 3 weeks into its cycle w/ 2 damsels. Ammonia is gone, and nitrites are sky-high. I'm planning on checking again in two weeks to see if it's finished. Anyway, I haven't been doing any water changes or running the skimmer yet- just an Eheim cannister and a powerhead. Initially, the tank was set up with treated tap-water and Instant Ocean. I'm planning on 10% water changes once a week w/RO when the cycle is done. The tank is getting a bit of rust-colored algae on the substrate and coral skeletons, which I'm pretty sure are diatoms. The tank has good circulation, and the lights are on for 14 hours a day. Is this a normal part of the cycle? Does this normally subside when the skimmer is turned on and RO is used for water changes? Thanks!!!

 

[tangman99]

Diatoms are a normal part of having a new tank. I'm not sure why, but everyone goes through it. Mine actually lasted about 6 months before it completely disappeared. I think the only thing that really gets rid of it for good is time and good maintenance.
It is harmless so don't worry about it. If it bothers you being on the coral skeletons (I assume you mean dead coral like I have - see my pictures on my web page linked in my signature) take the coral out an place it in the sun from time to time. It makes it look new again and you don't have to use bleach.
14 hours is a long time to run lights on a FO tank and could eventually lead to algea problems. I usually run my lights on my FO about 5 hours a day (6PM to 11PM). There is no set time, but the more you run them, the more algea you will get and the sooner your lights will need to be replaced. I would say at that rate, your lights will probably last 6 months when you only need to replace them once a year.
Tangman

 

[trigahappynigerog]

your light are on too long. ten hours should do it. water changes with ro is good. you can probably add a clean up crew to the tank to get it off the coral and the walls.

 

[y2says]

Tangmann...I was thinking about getting a Niger Trigger for my tank, but I was afraid that it's going to be too aggressive. How is your trigger with the rest of your fish? I have 2 percula clowns, sailfin tang, flame angel, volitan lion, puffer, saddleback butterfly and I just bought a koran angel. I'm planning to replace my 75g with a 180-200g tank soon and I was wondering how the trigger would be.

 

[tangman99]

Y2SAYS,
Triggers are a roll of the dice. I had to take back my first Niger when it got big as it ripped an emperor snapper to shreds. It did not kill him, but he looked really bad. The one I have now was about the size of a quarter when I got him and he is now about 3 inches long. He nipped up a few of my fish when I removed the coral for cleaning and put it back. I guess he got upset because I changed things around a little.
He has since calmed down, but he does get aggressive at feeding. Now my Piccaso is a sweetheart and does not bother anything, but again, I think it could go either way.
Tangman