First Brown, Now Green Algae

[paulcoates]

I have had a few spurts of Brown Algaw in my tanks, I think primarily because I had beenn using tap. I went to Walmart and bought 10 gallons of Distilled Water (58 cents a gallon). Now my diatom problem has turned inot a green algae problem. I literally think it happened overnight. I dont remember seeing any green algae last night and now I come to green algae all over the glass walls. I have about 30 astrea, 1 lawnmower, a few blue leg hermits and 2 starfish.
What is the green algae? Is it a problem? Will my reef cleaners eat it up?

 

[paulcoates]

I did my first top off two nights ago, adding 3 gallons of the distilled water. Should I do a water change? I did a 12 gallon water change about 2 weeks ago (55 gallon tank)

 

[himandher]

did you change any of your lighting? When we got new lights we had a green algae problem. how are your water parameters?
Tangs love to eat algae! get a yellow tang!

 

[promisetbg]

Originally posted by paulcoates
I have had a few spurts of Brown Algaw in my tanks, Now my diatom problem has turned inot a green algae problem. I literally think it happened overnight. I dont remember seeing any green algae last night and now I come to green algae all over the glass...
What is the green algae? Is it a problem? Will my reef cleaners eat it up?
This is normal for a newly established tank.As your tank matures,stabilizes..and becomes balanced..the green algae will recede as well.Now is the time to add the proper amount of clean-up crew critters.Snails such as astreas,trochus,and turbos will help with the film algae on the glass and the rocks too.Most hobbyists scrape it from the front and sides as well,when it really needs it.Some even scrape the back,for that super clean look.Go easy on feeding.Make sure you are using quality RO/DI water.Other clean-up crew additions such as hermit crabs will also help.