Type of algae and parameters

[brichard925]

my tank has been cycled for around a month and currently hosts two clownfish. Is this the beginning of the ugly stage(diatoms)? i used marco dry rock and cycled via frits turbo for two weeks before livestock.

i plan on doing 20% water changes per week to keep everything stable but this week my nitrates are only 2 and phospates are 0.01-0.03

Should I skip and try to tune in how often to water change. I also run a skimmer but since the nitrates seem to be decreasing from the usual 5-10 ive seen in the past few weeks maybe i shiuldnt run it as often. Pic below of algae.

 

[Lavey29]

Just normal diatoms. You will experience a variety of ugly phases throughout the first year. Weekly water changes are essential.

 

[Macbalacano]

If it were me, I wouldn't change the water change schedule due to diatoms. It is totally normally and most times will resolve itself within a few days.

I would try to always have detectable nitrates, especially in a new tank started with new rock. You will have more issues if it bottoms out (i.e. potential to get Dinos). So I would do whatever you need to do to keep nitrates detectable, which may include turning off your skimmer (or maybe just run it without the cup on).