Help with algae/diatom issue?

[coraline23]

Not sure if this is the right place to post but...I had a 14gal biocube going with no fish for a couple of years because I was trying to keep the rock and sand alive. Recently, I bought a 32 biocube and transferred the water, sand and live rock into it as well as I cycled dry rock that was kept in the garage for years. Most of the rock was new, essentially. We let it cycle for a couple of weeks and checked the water - all was well. We added 1 clown and 1 jaw fish with a small cleanup crew. During the course of 6 weeks since starting this the nitrates have jumped up and down (20-80ppm). I have done several water changes at 20-50% and now we are having a huge problem with what I think is diatoms? How can I nip this problem of the brown scuzz?

 

[T-J]

First of all, welcome to R2R!

In regards to what you're experiencing, it can be a number a things. I can be part of the "ugly phase" which most tanks go through early on. Personally, I think transferring over the sand from another tank may be contributing. Many reefers will tell you (myself included), never to transfer sand from one tank to another. Doing this stirs up the sandbed and releases all kinds of organic (and whatnot) matter. This could be adding to your problem.

 

[coraline23]

Thank you! Do you have any suggestions on what I can do now? I am not able to change out the sand at this point.

 

[T-J]

Thank you! Do you have any suggestions on what I can do now? I am not able to change out the sand at this point.

Test your water and post all of your parameters. Don’t touch the sand at this point. Depending on parameters a Waterchange may help.