Algae Problem

Hey everyone, I have just stared up a new tank. It has been running its cycle for about 2-3 weeks now and im noticing quite a lot of brown algae on the rocks and sand. I have heard that this is normal, however i am wondering how long that should last for or if there is anything i should be doing to counter act the problem. also, how will i know when my tank is fully cycled and is safe to add fish?

 

It's a diatom bloom...usually lasts a week or two. Leave it alone, and it will go away on its own, as the more you mess with it, the longer it will stick around (feel free to clean your viewing panels, b ut leave the rest).

 

Cycle is over when ammonia and nitrite are both 0. Remember to add fish slowly. I would add 1 then wait a 3 to 4 weeks to let your tank catch up before adding another. Go slow.

 

To determine if your tank is cycled you need to test for ammonia,nitrites and nitrates.If ammonia and nitrites are reading zero,try adding a little fish food and retest the following day.If they still are reading zero it shows that the bacteria are in place and converting it to nitrates.A rise in nitrates is part of the natural cycle and will not harm fish unless allowed to rise to extremes.A nitrate reading of 20ppm is common.

 

When you think your tank is cycled, it's best to challenge the system to be sure.

In this case, I would add 0.25 ml of ammonia and allow it to circulate for 1 hour. Then check your ammonia levels. You should have a reading of ammonia of about 2 mg/L. If you don't, you need to add a little more. Then you check the tank for ammonia and nitrites 12 hours later. If you have no readings after 12 hours, then the tank is ready. If however, you have either a measurable level of ammonia or nitrite, then the tank needs to be cycled a little more to handle the load. This is done by waiting for the levels to go down to 0 for the nitrite and the repeat the ammonia. Since the tank has some nitrifying bacteria already, this process will be quick.

This is the best, most accurate way to tell if a system is cycled. Also, as mentioned, stock SLOWLY so the tank's biofiltration system can "catch up" to the new addition.

 

Dont vacume the sand either, until cycle is complete?

 

Do not vacuum the sand or rocks until the diatoms disappear.

Diatoms feed on silicates which are inherent of new tanks. Once the silicates are used up, the diatoms will die off. You cannot stop the process; you will only prolong it by trying.