Hi is this normal

mcmunn93 · Mar 30, 2015

I have live grass looking stuff growing on my life rockets this normal

VicD81 · Mar 30, 2015

Its GHA Green Hair Algae. Normal yes, Good No. If you're just starting to cycle your tank its bound to happen. You should cycle with your lights off. If its cycled already check your No3 and PO4 maybe your lighting schedule or if you have florescent lights and they are old you should look into replacing them.

saltyphish · Mar 30, 2015

yup, GHA check nutrients (nitrates, phosphates) and post numbers. Easier to deal with sooner than later.

mcmunn93 · Mar 30, 2015

Hi im using led and there brand new I had my lights off for 2 days to try and kill the algae all my readings are good

mcmunn93 · Mar 30, 2015

I'll double check no3 and po4 and let u know

VicD81 · Mar 30, 2015

are you still cycling?

mcmunn93 · Mar 30, 2015

I had loads of brown diatoms 3 days ago and it's started to clear but this like you said green hair algae is growing quick too

mcmunn93 · Mar 30, 2015

I have also just seen alittle bubble algae starting what should I do

VicD81 · Mar 30, 2015

How long have you had the tank setup?

mcmunn93 · Mar 30, 2015

This is the 24th day

mcmunn93 · Mar 30, 2015

So just tested my no 3 and po4
No3 is 10 which is massively high

And po4 is 0.25

I've checked my ro water and it's reading 0 as there new filters

What should I do

VicD81 · Mar 30, 2015

If im not mistaken No3 at 10ppm is safe for fish. If your NH3 and No2 are 0 you're done with the cycle and can do a water change and begin adding fish. You're going to have issues with your trates for a while, untill you build enough bacteria in the sand bed and rocks to convert your trates to regular Hydrogen. You could do some carbon dosing like Vinegar, Vodka, Biopellets or even GFO, but i wouldnt worry too much about it yet. Reg water changes and vacuuming the SB would suffice.

VicD81 · Mar 30, 2015

BTW do you have a DI filter with the RO? What is your TDS reading? You could also check your salt mix after its been mixed with water. Ive heard of people having bad batches.

mcmunn93 · Mar 30, 2015

so my nitrates is ok cool I thought high nitrates is bad
Happy with that

So what about the green hair algae

mcmunn93 · Mar 30, 2015

Yes have di filter and my tds is 00 I'll check the salt then for phosphates

VicD81 · Mar 30, 2015

High Nitrates are bad. 10ppm is high but not too high, but because your NO3 and Po4 are at their current levels you are going to have algae problems. If you have a dimmer on the light dim it or reduce the time they are on, keep up with your water changes, and keep up with your skimmer.