Controlling the algea cycle?

[SaltyPotato]

For prefix, I have spiked my tank doing a fish less cycle for 3 weeks and tested my parameters. I left the lights off this whole time, used live sand, nutri-seawater and that dry purple rock. Also using marine pure balls.

Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrites - 0 ppm
Nitrates - 10-20 ppm
Salinity - 1.024
(I have not tested phosphates, Mag, etc.)

I added a pair of baby chocolate clowns after the initial cycle then a emerald crab, nassarius snail, and a trochus snail. I have decided after being convinced that I’m going to have the algea stage no matter what and how long I keep the lights off so I have decided to enjoy my desk tank now (fluval exo 13.5).

My main question:

Is there anything else I can do to control the inevitable aside from frequent water changes, sand vacuuming, and appropriate feeding? I think I am starting to form diatoms on the rock already.

 

[Quietman]

Not really and nothing comes with any guarantees. Just maintain your water quality best to your ability and be patient as possible while tank matures. Manual removal, vacuuming, WC, good nutrient control, etc. Diatoms are just part of the process. Good luck!

 

[jda]

Why would you want to control it? An ecosystem needs to develop, so let it. Anything that you do to interrupt the natural usually needs to be repaid many times over in the future.

If you want to suck out diatoms, cyano or whatever, then cool, but I would stop there. Just do your routine stuff and let it mature.