Newbie and algae question

[seasand23]

Hello, I'm new to the site. New to the saltwater hobby as well. Tank is about 2 months old. Waterbox 70g (45g top and 25g sump). I have 8 fish (2 mochavinci clowns, 3 cardinals, a flameback angel, royal gramma, and a lawnmower blenny). All seems to be going well. They all like each other although 1 cardinal is in charge of another. I have some challenges with brown type algae which I understand is not abnormal for new tanks? Ammonia, nitrite, nitrates are all 0. Nitrates may be between 0 and 5...hard to tell with those bad kits. Took random samples under a microscope...any ID?

 

[Retro Reefer]

Welcome to R2R! Looks like its possibly Diatoms, typical for a new tank.

 

[Shawna Solomon]

In my experience, which isn't much, I am fairly new to the hobby as well. I've only had my tank set up about 18 months and I just recently downsized also I would like to suggest not to waste your time siphoning the sand and trying to get the "ugly" to go away because the next day when you turn the lights back on it will come back. It will be less "ugly" if you siphon the sand bed and than turn your lights down but that's not always feasible if you have corals in the tank. I wish you the best of luck in the hobby and suggest R2R for all your needs. Someone will always have an answer to your problems.

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r! Just part of the new tank uglies..

 

[PatW]

You should see a succession of algae over time for about 6 to 12 months. I go with the diatom verdict.