New tank >1 week, algae? What should I do?

[The_Underwater_Gardener]

hello all,

I just started my 40g tank less then a week ago. Been water testing regularly and ammonia, nitrite have both been 0 but nitrate has been 0.2. I noticed today what looks like algae growing already and some brown growing on the live rocks. Wondering if this is okay and what I should do. Here are some pictures

 

[mta_morrow]

Hello and welcome to R2R!

How did you start your cycle?

Have you seen ammonia and nitrite rise then fall?

Are you running any lights?

Does the brown stuff blow off like dust with a turkey baster?

A lot of questions, but we want to help you get going in the right direction!

#WelcometoR2R

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

and..... was the rock “live” or dry?

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

 

[sawdonkey]

It’s going to get a lot uglier before it gets pretty! I wouldn’t do anything for a while. It looks like you started with dry rock. Do you do something to kick off the Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate process?

 

[James M]

Welcome to reef2reef!!

 

[The_Underwater_Gardener]

I started my cycle using Aquaforest Bio S doing 2 drops a day. I am running my lights about 12 hours a day, with some nights leaving the blue light on all night...
Haven’t seen any increase in ammonia or nitrite always 0
I don’t have a turkey baster yet, but seems to rub off easily

 

[The_Underwater_Gardener]

Half of rock was dry, half was live
Brown stuff and green algae is growing only on the live rock

 

[The_Underwater_Gardener]

It’s going to get a lot uglier before it gets pretty! I wouldn’t do anything for a while. It looks like you started with dry rock. Do you do something to kick off the Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate process?

My LFS recommended I use Aquaforest Bio S 2 drops a day, so I have been doing that

 

[The_Underwater_Gardener]

Hello and welcome to R2R!

How did you start your cycle?

Have you seen ammonia and nitrite rise then fall?

Are you running any lights?

Does the brown stuff blow off like dust with a turkey baster?

A lot of questions, but we want to help you get going in the right direction!

#WelcometoR2R

I started my cycle using Aquaforest Bio S doing 2 drops a day. I am running my lights about 12 hours a day, with some nights leaving the blue light on all night...
Haven’t seen any increase in ammonia or nitrite always 0
I don’t have a turkey baster yet, but seems to rub off easily

 

[cracker]

Hey TR Welcome to R2R ! Your tank is brand spanking new. I wouldn't worry about it right now . Might be best if ya turned the lights out bet the akgae will go away .

 

[Fudsey]

Welcome to R2R ! ! ! Looks like the beginnings of the ugly phase to me. There is really no reason to run your lights unless you have livestock.

 

[The_Underwater_Gardener]

Welcome to R2R ! ! ! Looks like the beginnings of the ugly phase to me. There is really no reason to run your lights unless you have livestock.

Thank you!

 

[The_Underwater_Gardener]

Hey TR Welcome to R2R ! Your tank is brand spanking new. I wouldn't worry about it right now . Might be best if ya turned the lights out bet the akgae will go away .

Thank you! [emoji4]

 

[mta_morrow]

I started my cycle using Aquaforest Bio S doing 2 drops a day. I am running my lights about 12 hours a day, with some nights leaving the blue light on all night...
Haven’t seen any increase in ammonia or nitrite always 0
I don’t have a turkey baster yet, but seems to rub off easily

Ok. Agree with the others to turn off you lights and let it ride a while.

If the brown stuff runs off that easy it is most likely diatoms and part of a new tanks maturing process.

Nothing to be concerned about.

 

[IslandLifeReef]

Welcome to R2R! You will find a lot of great advice here.

 

[Teri NewbieReefer]

Hi and Welcome to R2R! Congratulations on starting a long and interesting journey that will take you to the greatest heights of success and the lowest doldrums of tortuous waiting... but it is worth the work and the wait! Your tank will look “ugly” for awhile as your ecosystem builds in complexity. If you are not sure if your tank is looking “right”, jump on here with a picture and the reef squad will set you straight. These guys and gals on R2R are great and they always have the best information and answers to any question you have.