New to the hobby

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SamuelW

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Hi, my name is Sam. I'm 19 and my friend finally convinced me to start my own saltwater tank. I made a custom stand and light suspension deal myself. The tank is a 20 gal. I just have an ocelaris clown, 2 nassarious snails, 7 hermits, macro algae, and 3 leathers. I'm using a viparspectra 165 watt light, aqueon hang on back filter, and a 425 gph power head.

Now I could really use some advice. After my tank finished cycling, I started to see a boom of brown algae (diatoms I believe). I was told it would happen but I never thought it would be this bad. My water was brown for a few days, and all my rocks and glass were coated in it. My water eventually cleared up nicely but I still have lots of algae on my rocks glass and sand.

Started my first tank here on 2/23/19. Today is 4/3/19. The algae outbreak started around 3/12/19, and is still going strong. Water parameters are good. Am I overreacting? Is there something I'm doing wrong? Any help would be great! Thank you.
 
Deltec
First off welcome to R2R!!! :)

How long did the tank cycle before livestock was added?

Can you upload some pics of the tank in it's s current state?
 
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Deltec
Welcome to R2R.

Probably over reacting, but you’re getting to the point where you need to determine why the algae is flourishing, nitrates, phosphates or other. Once determined start looking for the source, and gradually reduce the source / food for your algae. Patience is a must.
 
Here is the tank today
1554328161266~2.jpeg
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
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SamuelW said:
Tank was cycled with a damsel from a friend.
Click to expand...

That is old school right there. Did not think anyone even knew about that anymore. But we’re off and running so good, and thanks for joining

upload_2019-3-24_10-45-22.gif
 
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SamuelW said:
Here is the tank today
1554328161266~2.jpeg
Click to expand...
Hey Sam
That tank doesn't look all that bad. From your description I (overreacted and) assumed that a person couldn't see through the glass and brown water. It looks pretty normal for a new set-up with the tank developing healthy micro-fauna. Keep up with small water changes, wipe the glass or get some snails to help and you are definitely on the right path since you joined us.
Welcome to Reef2Reef!
 
Mjl714 said:
Welcome to R2R.

Probably over reacting, but you’re getting to the point where you need to determine why the algae is flourishing, nitrates, phosphates or other. Once determined start looking for the source, and gradually reduce the source / food for your algae. Patience is a must.
Click to expand...
I've been doing frequent water tests and I'm reading low nitrate levels. Could it be too much light you think?
 
Nutramar Foods
Welcome Sam ! Looks lie You Tank is going thru the ugly's ! Please consider no more livestock &taking it real slow.
Now Ya could vacuum the sand , Scrub off the algae & do A couple of water changes. Always liked hex tanks !
Several questions You have test kits? What/where are You getting your water?
Check out R2R's "new to the hobby" forum . Real good place for question & answer's !
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/new-to-saltwater-reef-aquariums-post-here.130/
 
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