Dinos or Diatoms - New Tank

[nyknicks2544]

Hey everyone - looking for some advice. Tank is new and just finished cycling 3 weeks ago. Started with dry rocks. Phosphates undetectable. Nitrates 5-10ppm.

Concerned about the algae below. This is my first time not running GFO on a tank. Had a huge algae bloom that progressed over the course of the week. All over glass, powerheads, rocks and overflow box. Blows right off with a turkey baster. Is brown. Started as spots but has progressed to cover certain areas of the tank. Some spots it has slightly raised (hair algae like but very small - only reason I know there are strings raised is I see them move slightly in the flow). When I blow it off it usually just disintegrates though occasionally breaks into small chunks.

What are your thoughts? Is it the dread dinos or diatoms. I have GFO should I run it? Also have algae reactor but wasn't going to bring it online until I had more fish as I felt my two clowns wouldn't sustain it given the skimmer barely skims.

As always thanks for the help!

 

[FLAdaboy]

If it’s only 3 weeks then I would lean towards diatoms. If you’re worried, then stop running lights while you cycle.

 

[nyknicks2544]

Thanks! The tank is actually cycled already and has 2 clowns. Have only been running 2 bulbs of an 8 bulb ATI until I get corals. Can turn them off for a few days and see if it improves.

 

[GoVols]

Blows right off with a turkey baster. Is brown.
What are your thoughts?

First thought is diatoms.

If that's the case, be sure to use RO/DI water and they'll burn out over time.

 

[FLAdaboy]

Sure. It’s still pretty new so I would take some more time and let the rocks get a little more “life” on them. Lower photo periods and light feedings will help avoid algae outbreaks during a cycle.

 

[nyknicks2544]

Sure. It’s still pretty new so I would take some more time and let the rocks get a little more “life” on them. Lower photo periods and light feedings will help avoid algae outbreaks during a cycle.

Thanks will black out lights over weekend and go to 5 hours a day on Monday to see if there are any improvements. I dialed back feeding as well.

 

[nyknicks2544]

First thought is diatoms.

If that's the case, be sure to use RO/DI water and they'll burn out over time.

Thank you - using a 5-Stage BRS RODI that is 0 TDS output. Wondering about silicates in the tank from new rocks.

 

[FLAdaboy]

I wouldn’t stress too mich about it now. It’s all a part of the normal process. Like GoVols said, run RODI water.

 

[GoVols]

I wouldn’t stress too mich about it now. It’s all a part of the normal process. Like GoVols said, run RODI water.

(lol)
Not looking to meet up, but what part of Middle Tennessee are you at?

omg.. FLA in TN...

 

[FLAdaboy]

(lol)
Not looking to meet up, but what part of Middle Tennessee are you at?

omg.. FLA in TN...

I’m in Clarksville