Problem with Algae

[nickborowitz]

I got new lights on my tank a few weeks ago and noticed the algae on the sand growing like crazy. I've been keeping my lights off ALOT to keep the algae under control and to let the snails eat it.
Today I looked and didn't see any more of the brown algae. I turned the lights on and 20minutes later came back and had the brown algae all over.
How is this possible?

 

[sickboy]

Hmmm...not sure. Is it just that you couldn't see it with the lights off? I know this is the case with cyano. Is it diatoms?

 

[privatejoker]

You will get break out once in while when you change your bulbs. It happens and should go away. Try to suck it out or manually remove it.

 

[addicted4life]

I agree with removing as much of the algae as you can. I would recommend turning off all pumps so the water is nice and still. Take your time and catch any that floats away.

 

[sly]

You have to acclimate your tank to new lights. I'm having to do this right now, myself...
Normally I would just replace one light at a time. Give the tank a few days to adjust to it and then replace another one...
But in your case since you have already replaced them all you need to acclimate your tank. It would be best to use a timer. Reduce your lighting schedule until the lights are only on about 4 hours a day. Do this for a few days until the algae starts to get under control. Then add an hour. If it stays stable then add another hour. Keep adding hours over the next few days until you start to get some heavy algae growth. Then reduce your light by one hour and you're done.
My tank likes to run with the lights on for 8 hours. Any more than this and I start getting brown algae.

 

[aztec reef]

Brown diatoms are the result of a byproduct of the cabonization cycle, i.e. silicic acid, due to the manipulated/ increased energy needs of spreading microbes in sandbeds, this should dissipate soon..
stay active on the maintenance rituals and the use of ro/di water.. And just ride it out.. It is a good idea to acclimate the new lighting as already mentioned..

 

[privatejoker]

If you do change your bulbs all at once you can use the screen method. Take black screen and cut three pieces the size of your tank. Place them over the top and every week take one off. In three weeks your tank should be ok. If you have MH I would be careful with the screen

, I have t5's so I don't have to worry about that.

 

[nickborowitz]

Thanks! I'll acclimate the lights. I have them on for a few hours a day now. I'll start with a couple hours and work my way up from there.
Thanks!