brown algae on sand bed

[jonnythekid]

quick question for anyone that can help a new reefer out, my tank is about a month old and i see a little bit of brown algae on my sand bed. i know this is normal but at what point should i be worried thats its too much?
thanks in advance

 

[jonnythekid]

quick question for anyone that can help a new reefer out, my tank is about a month old and i see a little bit of brown algae on my sand bed. i know this is normal but at what point should i be worried thats its too much?
thanks in advance

 

[Bob Escher]

That's diatoms and it's the first of more algae. No one can tell you how soon or how long each tank is different. But think about three months more maybe but patient is a must in this hobby

 

[jonnythekid]

That's diatoms and it's the first of more algae. No one can tell you how soon or how long each tank is different. But think about three months more maybe but patient is a must in this hobby

okay thanks should i do anything to try and control it or just wait for it to resolve itself?

 

[wkscott]

The diatoms will last as long as there is available silicate. Silicates can arrive in your sand and rocks. It is also readily available in tap water, unless it is being run through a RO/DI system.

You can reduce the amount and duration of diatoms if you use GFO. GFO is generally used to remove phosphates but it will also remove some silicate from the water column. If you are not using GFO now, you may want to consider it as green alga are coming next.

 

[Bob Escher]

I think since it's a new tank it should clear up naturally. You can do all kinds of things some may help and some may not but it's will probably happened that's part of a new tank

 

[wkscott]

I think since it's a new tank it should clear up naturally. You can do all kinds of things some may help and some may not but it's will probably happened that's part of a new tank

It should clear up by itself, however no one asked the OP if he was using tap water. If he is, the diatoms may never go away and could get worse. If we don't treat a cold, it will probably just go away on its own. However, it could turn into pneumonia.

 

[Bob Escher]

Yes but it's a brand new tank vast majority of tank start out with diatoms

 

[jonnythekid]

It should clear up by itself, however no one asked the OP if he was using tap water. If he is, the diatoms may never go away and could get worse. If we don't treat a cold, it will probably just go away on its own. However, it could turn into pneumonia.

thanks for the feedback. i didnt use tap so do you recommend me waiting awhile to see if it clears up on its own before i try using GFO?

 

[Kentech5]

If you're using RODI for your water then just wait. Every tank gets diatoms with the first set up.

 

[jonnythekid]

If you're using RODI for your water then just wait. Every tank gets diatoms with the first set up.

okay will do thanks

 

[Bob Escher]

And as zi said earlier yes it will eventually you will also get green or brown hair algae as well.
Keep doing what your doing, water changes ( at least 10 to 15 %, how often varies with opinion but I do every week) feed as much as they can consume in two three minutes) monitor your water paraneters.
And Patience when your water parameters are good then you can start adding fish if you haven't done so already. Coral there's a opinion but generally six months or so

 

[jonnythekid]

And as zi said earlier yes it will eventually you will also get green or brown hair algae as well.
Keep doing what your doing, water changes ( at least 10 to 15 %, how often varies with opinion but I do every week) feed as much as they can consume in two three minutes) monitor your water paraneters.
And Patience when your water parameters are good then you can start adding fish if you haven't done so already. Coral there's a opinion but generally six months or so

okay thanks for the help its starting to clear itself up now.