Brown Algae Bloom!

Hello, im starting to cure my live rock (130#, 80gallon tank) in a new tank. for the first week everything seemed ok. more corraline algae growth and some green algae. however in the last 2 days i've notice a very significant increase in BROWN algae on the rocks mostly concentrated on the top pieces of the aquascape. (least i think it is. Similar color to freshwater algae, however more furry and spongy looking)

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master Salt Water Test Kit

ammonia 0.25
nitrite not tested
nitrate 20-40 (can't differentiate color)

i used kent marine reef starter kit as directed, saltwater and live rock.
i do keep aquarium lights on for about 8-12 hours/day.
i use 2-4 day old filtered drinking water for top off.
protein skimmer is on 24/7.

1)you think the algae will just subside?
2)should i do a water change? How much? What can i do for top off water if i don't have ro/di unit and LFS is far?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

If you are just starting your tank you will experience multiple stages of algae-brown being the first. You do not to have your light on during the cycle. Do not change the water during the cycle-good luck

 

I agree. Part of the cycle. Plentyyyy of info if you search. Also check out the cyano links on the 3reef links page found near the bottom of the left nav.

 

Chris,

Have to agree with Matt and pdlman but I would recommend that you keep the lighting going as you described.

Whether you use RO/DI water is really dependant on your tap water quality. I use tap water, but my household water is good. As far as water changes are concerned I personally would not do any water changes unless it is absolutely necessary. So just let the tank cycle as it would if it was fully populated with coral and fish and ride out the algae storm. Keep an eye on the Nitrate levels if you have a lot of introduced live rock as that is a good indication of when a water change could be beneficial.

John


John

 

I also agree with everyone. The first year of your tanks life is one the most interesting. It diffidently keeps you on your toes. :

 

I'm glad everybody agrees to agree. So, I disagree Just kidding. Keep your lights on, or else you might wreck your car at night. Was this live rock alive when you received it or was it some cured rock? If it was from liverocks or tampabaysaltwater it is very much alive and needs light to continue to thrive.
Jim

 

Thanks for the input. Yes, the live rock was alive. Got it from oceanproaquatics.com, a walt smith distributor. actually they are local so picked it up. thanks again. ill be keeping you posted on the progress.

chris