Hi I have just started a new tank and I think I am going into the algae bloom stage. My tank has a brown looking film all over it which makes the substrate look burnt. As I have never owned a saltwater tank before I was just wondering what the best thing is to do in order to battle this situation. I was thinking of getting a few snails but is there anything else I can do?
Brown Stuff
- Thread starter fishdude
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How long has the tank been set up? It sounds like a diatom bloom. If all your parameters are ok, it might be good to add a bunch of snails.
Crank up that skimmer and let 'er ride my friend, it all takes time. The more time the better.
Crank up that skimmer and let 'er ride my friend, it all takes time. The more time the better.
Sounds familiar - diatoms a powdery brown algae that cover the rocks and require daily use of the magnetic scraper on the front of the tank
As stated above this is a common occurance with newly set up tanks and silicate is utilised by this species to construct its skeleton
The bloom will last a few days/ weeks and then it will gradualy fade
Rhowphos is often used in UK in freshly set up tanks as this does remove silicates in addition to phospates (I assume its availble there?)
But in majority of cases as previoulsy mentioned it will dissapear on its own accord
Turbos and other grazers will also help to control it in the mean time
Steve
As stated above this is a common occurance with newly set up tanks and silicate is utilised by this species to construct its skeleton
The bloom will last a few days/ weeks and then it will gradualy fade
Rhowphos is often used in UK in freshly set up tanks as this does remove silicates in addition to phospates (I assume its availble there?)
But in majority of cases as previoulsy mentioned it will dissapear on its own accord
Turbos and other grazers will also help to control it in the mean time
Steve
Thanks Guys the Tank has only been set up for approximately 1 month. Thanks for the info. I'm glad the diatoms will clear up themselves. My only drama is I think I have added my clown fish too early. My LFS sold me a bio starter and after using that for two weeks said it would be fine to add them. I have read a fair bit since then and know I should have waited before putting fish in but since I already have them do you think this stage of the tank will effect them?
wrightme43
Well-known member
Clowns are the same as damsels. Tough as nails. They can be killed or sickened, but it is a litter more difficult than other fish. Depending on the levels of am, ni, and na in your tank the answer could be yes or no. Let us know. Steve
Jiddy
Well-known member
My buddies "fish guy" told me that you dont want to run big MH's when you have a new/bare tank because algae will grow because nothin will "suck" up the light, so wait until you fill your tank before you upgrade? Any truth in that?
Jiddy
Well-known member
You too DUDE!
