New Aquarium, ugly brown.

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Birdy64

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I just started a new reef tank and after 10 days I am getting overran by what looks like brown algae. Do I just let it run its course?
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Yes, it's a normal part of the cycle. Start checking nitrates. When the cycle is over the diatom bloom should be under control.
 
Yes part of the uglies.
Your tank is just 10 days old has not even cycled yet...but i see youve added corals. I would suggest slowing down, completely cycling the tank before adding live stock and researching as much as possible in the mean time.

#Welcometor2r
 
Reef Lover's advice is spot on.
This is a hobby. Meaning, something to enjoy. Rushing the most critical part of your reef is just going to cause frustrations, now and in times to come.
I did the same thing. I added fish on day one (tank was used and I knew know better). I chased my tail trying to control the ammonia for 3 days with chemicals and 50% water changes daily. Then finally surrendered the fish to my LFS.
I was frustrated to say least. I wanted to throw away the tank but didn't have the motivation to even do that. So I just left it, with the heater and circulation going. People would come over, see the tank, and ask "where's the fish?" To which I would reply, "what do you mean, fish? I'm raising Rocks" lol.
Ironically, That joke couldn't be more to the truth.
I finally got back into it, almost 3 months later, when a fellow reefer called me and said he had some corals and rocks from his 300g breakdown that he was going to give me.
During my cycle, I NEVER tested the water. I just left it alone, with random feeding of some bits of raw shrimp and flakes whenever I felt like it. Probably about every 3 weeks or so.
I tested the water before I ran over to my friends house and read, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and had trace amounts of nitrates. Perfect water!
I never felt better and I was hooked.
I read over and over that "Aquarists don't manage fish tanks. They manage Water" I'll never forget that.
So don't make the mistake I made. Just take your time. You cycle is going to determine how your whole tank is going to be later on. Give it time, let it go through the algae blooms, then in a few weeks or so, you'll be set.
You can also boost up the bacteria with additives that add bacteria into your tank. Many reefers swear by them. I personally would rather wait. It kinda sets the tempo for me not to rush this later, which I have a really bad habit of doing.

David
 
Thanks for the advice! I do need to read more on water quality. I even added 2 coral fish and lost one of them. :( Thank you everyone!
 
Thanks for the advice! I do need to read more on water quality. I even added 2 coral fish and lost one of them. :( Thank you everyone!
We have all been there. Welcome to the forum! Ask any question you might have. There’s a lot of great people here that will help.
 
+1

Welcome, please ask questions otherwise I am just starting at a blank screen.o_O
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

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  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

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  • No.

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  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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