Brown Algae!! Help!!!!!!!

[cakester]

Hi guys set up a new 55 gal marine tank first attempt and so far so good its been running just over a week and hasn't even cycled yet but theres brown algae covering everything. Water parameters are all fine been testing everyday, had light on for about 10 hours when first set up but now only on for six hours.I have 3 fish 2 clowns and 1 damsel all are doing fine. have all the usual equipment skimmer, pumps ect and need to know how to control it. Have no clean up crew yet because don't want to put to much in the tank to quickly alos just to let you know i live in the uk so may not be able to get the same things as you can, any help greatly appreicated thanks.!!!

 

[Scooterman]

The brown algae is a normal thing when cycling a new tank but having fish in a tank that is just a week old is very stressful on them not a good idea unless your experienced & using fully cured LR this isn't a good practice for someone starting out new. Just keep testing your water parms & don't add any live stock until your tank stabilizes give it some time & it will pay off in the long run, please don't tank any of this the wrong way It is intended to be helpful.
Welcome to Rf hope you can learn & post us some nice pictures once your tank is up & doing better.

 

[Krish]

Welcome to RF and I agree with Scooter. We all go through it and there really is no time limit on when it will be all over. Cycles differ from tank to tank, so patience is something we all have to have...Are you using ro/di water? In any event, just give it time and you should be set. Keep us updated

 

[cakester]

hi scooty thanks for reply am using LR got 10kilos also 40lb live sand was told by aquatics guy in shop it was ok to put these fish in while the tank cycled. Suppose hes going to tell me that just to sell his fish. All fish seem very healthy and are eating fine, ammonia and nitrates all very low, ph stable at 8.2. Will take your advice and not add any more livestock until tank has settled down and once again thanks for your help.

 

[cakester]

Hi krish. Yes am using ro water got a 50gpd unit installed under my sink. Thanks for reply its nice to know everything is normal with my tank and that help is only a keyboard away once again many thanks.

 

[Krish]

Hi krish. Yes am using ro water got a 50gpd unit installed under my sink. Thanks for reply its nice to know everything is normal with my tank and that help is only a keyboard away once again many thanks.

That's cool...My tank has been set up for about 10 months now and I can honestly say that it just completely cycled IMO about 4 weeks or so ago. I toyed with it alot and kept changing things like flow, tank size etc, so I never fully gave it a chance to really do its thing. I guess the least you mess with it, the quicker you'd have great results. I wish you the best

 

[NaH2O]

Welcome to Reef Frontiers!!!

Algae cycles are all part of a new tank. You'll probably experience some other forms of algae, before you start to see it go away completely. Just know it is normal. Using fish to cycle a tank is a debateable topic (some say it isn't a big deal because the fish are "hardy"...but I disagree completely, as they are being forced to live in ammonia). I usually recommend some raw shrimp in a nylon to jump start the cycle, as the decaying organics provide the same cycle as the waste matter from the fish. You can also use uncured live rock to jump start the cycle, again...instead of making the fish live in ammonia, which can be harmful. Something to remember for the next tank

When your ammonia and nitrites have dropped down to zero, then you'll be ready for a clean-up crew.

What are your plans for the tank? Corals? Fish only?

Let's see some pics of the set-up if you get a chance! Welcome to RF again...hope you enjoy it here.