StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
What’s this?
Brown stuff on rocks
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TexanCanuck
Active Member
Well, that depends on the story behind the photo.
It looks like you are cycling a new tank using dry rock. If so, then the brown stuff you are seeing is very likely algae, and not something you should worry about (yet). Undesired algae during the cycle of a new tank is normal and tough to avoid, and not worth losing sleep over ... you will get through it.
Could you please provide some more context behind your tank? (how long has it been running, it's history, livestock, lighting, water parameters, etc.)
It looks like you are cycling a new tank using dry rock. If so, then the brown stuff you are seeing is very likely algae, and not something you should worry about (yet). Undesired algae during the cycle of a new tank is normal and tough to avoid, and not worth losing sleep over ... you will get through it.
Could you please provide some more context behind your tank? (how long has it been running, it's history, livestock, lighting, water parameters, etc.)
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StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
Tanks been up since about March 13.
dry rock from Premium aquatics. Everything was brand spanking new.
I have a Fluval Bluetooth light I run from about 3pm and brightens up until about 5. Light lowers around 10:30, blue at 11, off at 12.
2 Clowns
3 tangs.
All Juvenile delinquents
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StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
thanks
OP
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StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
Need some more info on that lol
TexanCanuck
Active Member
Thanks for the context.
Based on the information you have provided, it sounds like what is commonly referred to as the start of "the ugly brown phase".
In short, this is a typical nuisance algae that will form as your tank goes through it's maturation and water parameters fluctuate as your bacteria colonies grow.
It may be ugly, but it will go away as your tank matures.
If you are not already doing so, I would recommend supplementing your tank with a bacteria preparation to help you get through this phase quickly and get your tank established. Everyone has their favorite, and I've yet to find any hard scientific data that shows if one of them is any better than another. My preference is Brightwell Aquatics Microbacter Start XLM
www.bulkreefsupply.com
Otherwise, your goal is to create a consistent, stable environment by having a consistent feeding schedule, keeping your equipment running properly (filtration, skimmer, etc.), and sticking with regular water changes (15% once a week using RODI and a high quality salt mix).
You will get through this!
Based on the information you have provided, it sounds like what is commonly referred to as the start of "the ugly brown phase".
In short, this is a typical nuisance algae that will form as your tank goes through it's maturation and water parameters fluctuate as your bacteria colonies grow.
It may be ugly, but it will go away as your tank matures.
If you are not already doing so, I would recommend supplementing your tank with a bacteria preparation to help you get through this phase quickly and get your tank established. Everyone has their favorite, and I've yet to find any hard scientific data that shows if one of them is any better than another. My preference is Brightwell Aquatics Microbacter Start XLM
MicroBacter Start XLM
Professional 15x strength live tank starter nitrifying bioculture for rapidly cycling new marine fish and reef aquaria and brackish aquariums, and for recovering from overcrowding or disasters where the bacteria bed has been damaged or when adding new fish. Useful for rapidly re-establishing...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
Otherwise, your goal is to create a consistent, stable environment by having a consistent feeding schedule, keeping your equipment running properly (filtration, skimmer, etc.), and sticking with regular water changes (15% once a week using RODI and a high quality salt mix).
You will get through this!
M Stein
Active Member
Diatoms are the dusty brown algae we all have to deal with. It gets into every tank and is not a sign of anything wrong. However there are ways of controlling it,
A) you could get better lighting to grow pink/red coralline algae to outcompete it (not really worth the cost if you're not doing coral)
B) lowering your nitrates and phosphates (usually through water changes, although there are other methods).
C) get a cleanup crew of snails crabs and/or urchins (I've especially seen good results with urchins).
D) As I'm getting ready to post I see Texencanuck recommended bottled bacteria. I've never used this against diatoms (I've used Vibrant effectively against tougher algae like bryopsis) but it is undoubtedly also another method.
A) you could get better lighting to grow pink/red coralline algae to outcompete it (not really worth the cost if you're not doing coral)
B) lowering your nitrates and phosphates (usually through water changes, although there are other methods).
C) get a cleanup crew of snails crabs and/or urchins (I've especially seen good results with urchins).
D) As I'm getting ready to post I see Texencanuck recommended bottled bacteria. I've never used this against diatoms (I've used Vibrant effectively against tougher algae like bryopsis) but it is undoubtedly also another method.
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StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
Thanks, so far I have a feeding schedule twice a day. Got different food for sunday through Friday. Was thinking about adding frozen Krill. I do about 25% water changes. No RODI. Tap and Seachem Prime with Instant Ocean Salt. Also no skimmer. Not doing any corals. Straight Fowlr. It’s a 75g tank. AquaClear 110 and LG sponge filter. Wave maker/power head which ever one it is 2300gph.Thanks for the context.
Based on the information you have provided, it sounds like what is commonly referred to as the start of "the ugly brown phase".
In short, this is a typical nuisance algae that will form as your tank goes through it's maturation and water parameters fluctuate as your bacteria colonies grow.
It may be ugly, but it will go away as your tank matures.
If you are not already doing so, I would recommend supplementing your tank with a bacteria preparation to help you get through this phase quickly and get your tank established. Everyone has their favorite, and I've yet to find any hard scientific data that shows if one of them is any better than another. My preference is Brightwell Aquatics Microbacter Start XLM
MicroBacter Start XLM
Professional 15x strength live tank starter nitrifying bioculture for rapidly cycling new marine fish and reef aquaria and brackish aquariums, and for recovering from overcrowding or disasters where the bacteria bed has been damaged or when adding new fish. Useful for rapidly re-establishing...
Otherwise, your goal is to create a consistent, stable environment by having a consistent feeding schedule, keeping your equipment running properly (filtration, skimmer, etc.), and sticking with regular water changes (15% once a week using RODI and a high quality salt mix).
You will get through this!
OP
OP
StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
I started my tank with Seachem stability and did the 7 days, but adding extra bacteria? Help me with understanding that.
TexanCanuck
Active Member
Using tap water is NOT a good way to create a stable environment - most city tap water is high in nitrates, phosphates, and silicates ... all of which are nutrients that will fuel an algae bloom!
I highly recommend buying a good RODI unit from BRS. If not, you can buy RODI water from your LFS.
I highly recommend buying a good RODI unit from BRS. If not, you can buy RODI water from your LFS.
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StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
I’ll look into the RODI asap
TexanCanuck
Active Member
With respect to using the bottled bacteria, the idea is to create a diversity of bacteria strains that are in the tank ... the more, the better.
This is the one area where I think the Microbacter product line stands out ... it will add more diversity to your biofilter.
Also, keep in mind that your bacteria colony needs to GROW along with the biological demand of your tank.
This is the one area where I think the Microbacter product line stands out ... it will add more diversity to your biofilter.
Also, keep in mind that your bacteria colony needs to GROW along with the biological demand of your tank.
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StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
Oh okay, so just follow the directions on the back of the bottle as normal? Also, is it okay to do say Dr. Tim’s let’s say in a month, and Turbo9000 a month after that to help?
And yes I’m aware of bacteria growing with the biological demand of the tank
TexanCanuck
Active Member
Yes to all your questions ... each manufacturer uses "proprietary" strains and preserves them in different ways ... so more diversity is better!
M Stein
Active Member
What he said.
I don't know much about the different strains of bacteria in different products, so I can't really say much about it.
No, I wouldn't just keep adding bacteria for the sake of it. The diatoms aren't harmful and just pouring in more products are a pocket-drain. If your tank is already cycled you should be good, only spend money when you have a problem.
What you're seeing is normal. Every tank owner gets it early on. Most reef keepers control it by getting clean up crews.
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StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
Appreciate the info!
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StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
Thanks
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StPatrick89
Well-Known Member
What do you think about the Microbacter he suggested. I read it does add another bacteria strain. That one anyway.
