Going to need to wax it.

[kstaley12]

Ok guys. I am having a terrible ugly brown phase. At least I hope it is just a phase. It started off as a light brown dusting. It has evolved into a thick coat of fur on the back of the tank. I’m going to need to wax it off. Like hair off a chest. It’s on my rocks, and a bit on the sand. My Astrea snails are just brown tufts moving about the tank.
Today’s Params
S.G: 1.025
T: 78.4
Alk: 8.0
pH: 8.4
Phos: 0.0
Nitrates: 0.0
Ca: 484

So. I’m hoping I have the patience to just wait this out. I am open to any suggestions.

 

[PeterC99]

How old is the aquarium setup?

 

[Rmckoy]

What kits are you testing with?

I don’t think nitrates and phosphates are supposed to be 0 ………

could this be the ugly start of Dino ?

 

[kstaley12]

My system is 2 months old. I’m testing with Hanna.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ok guys. I am having a terrible ugly brown phase. At least I hope it is just a phase. It started off as a light brown dusting. It has evolved into a thick coat of fur on the back of the tank. I’m going to need to wax it off. Like hair off a chest. It’s on my rocks, and a bit on the sand. My Astrea snails are just brown tufts moving about the tank.
Today’s Params
S.G: 1.025
T: 78.4
Alk: 8.0
pH: 8.4
Phos: 0.0
Nitrates: 0.0
Ca: 484

So. I’m hoping I have the patience to just wait this out. I am open to any suggestions.

Pics under white lighting would be helpful and will likely shave right off with the edge of an old credit card. Reduce white light intensity. Is tank by chance at or near a window?
Are you using RODI water or tap water from the faucet?

 

[gbroadbridge]

Ok guys. I am having a terrible ugly brown phase. At least I hope it is just a phase. It started off as a light brown dusting. It has evolved into a thick coat of fur on the back of the tank. I’m going to need to wax it off. Like hair off a chest. It’s on my rocks, and a bit on the sand. My Astrea snails are just brown tufts moving about the tank.
Today’s Params
S.G: 1.025
T: 78.4
Alk: 8.0
pH: 8.4
Phos: 0.0
Nitrates: 0.0
Ca: 484

So. I’m hoping I have the patience to just wait this out. I am open to any suggestions.

The only reason your NO3 and PO4 are testing at zero is because the algae is eating it all.

Scrape it off to export it, then get onto the rocks with a toothbrush.

Then wait a day or two and test again.

you don't mention what else is in the tank, if it's empty (bar the algae) just keep scraping it off and wait it out.

if there are animals in the tank, and it is cycled, you'll need to find a method of exporting the phosphates. There are many.

in a new tank you want to aim for about 5ppm nitrate, and 0.03 phosphate (without algae sucking it away)

Too low and you will likely end up with Dino's and you don't want to go there


Regards

 

[Rmckoy]

I don’t think waxing the fur is needed yet. .
It’s getting colder outside joking aside
Algae consuming nutrients sounds legitimate but what’s in the tank ?

 

[kstaley12]

The only reason your NO3 and PO4 are testing at zero is because the algae is eating it all.

Scrape it off to export it, then get onto the rocks with a toothbrush.

Then wait a day or two and test again.

you don't mention what else is in the tank, if it's empty (bar the algae) just keep scraping it off and wait it out.

if there are animals in the tank, and it is cycled, you'll need to find a method of exporting the phosphates. There are many.

in a new tank you want to aim for about 5ppm nitrate, and 0.03 phosphate (without algae sucking it away)

Too low and you will likely end up with Dino's and you don't want to go there


Regards

Tank is cycled and currently houses 2 clowns, a YWG, 3 chromis, 2 shrimp, and snails. Oh- and various corals.

 

[kstaley12]

 

[kstaley12]

Forgot to mention I am using RODI water and the tank is 18 feet from the nearest window.

 

[GHOSTLY]

try to scrape some off with a toothbrush and suck it out. After that Find out exact nutrients and proceed from there