What Is This Brown Stuff?

[fishkiller]

I have a 30 gal and it's been going for about 3-4 weeks. Got damsels and live rock. I've tested the water, everything seems to be fine, but there is a rust-colored algae growing on everything. looks like crap. what do i do? PLEASE help!

 

[krow]

I have the same rust colored algea. Mines been set up for about two weeks. From what I hear this is normal and a good sign that the tank is cycling properly. Different algea forms come and go all through the cycling period. please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[barracuda]

This is diatom, brown algae, filamentous algae. All this stuff is a part of cycling process. This stuff is fed by phosphates. Check your phosphates (PO4) and you probably will find it high. If your cycling is completed, do a 25% water change. For removing the phosphates there are few types of phosphate absorbers.
What is your water source: tap or RO?

 

[stacyt]

It's a diatom algae bloom. Normal part of the cycle. If your water tests are good, you can add a cleanup crew such as snails, hermits, etc.
Also in the future, if you do not already do so, use RO or distilled water to help keep your algae growth down.

 

[ty_05_f]

brown algae is usually silicates. Not phosphates. But might as well check the phosphates as well for diffent types of algae.

 

[barracuda]

Just to add to my prev post. After your cycling done you may still have several algae blooms for up to 8 weeks. There are some additional food sourses for these types of algae: phosphates, silicates, nitrates, improper lighting, improper circulation.