Brown algae

Its been about 2 weeks into my cycle, my clean up crew consists of 3 snails, and about 6 hermit crabs, all different species. I also have a cleaner shrimp in there with 8 lbs of live rock. Ive noticed that a sort of brown algae is starting to form on the sand. Ive noticed it for a few days. How do i get rid of it if i even need to? will it become a problem? Other then that my parameters are normal and my tank looks good! pictures will be up soon!

 

probally diatoms you have a pick?

 

i believe they are based on what i have been reading. Ps how is the aqua scaping...its my first tank feel free to critique

 

Im thinking its probably diatom.

That was what mine looked like for a about a week. Then it disapeared on its own. My understanding is that diatom feeds on silicates - which can be introduced in various ways in a new tank. Once those are gone, it will die off.

Mine came back about a week later with a vengence though... that time it wasnt diatom it was cyano. Dont worry, it looks much different. Alot worse!

My CuC put it in its place now though

 

Oh and i like your rock work. Nice job

 

I actually started my tank about a month ago and I was and still are experiencing this brown algae. I think its from leaving the lights on for too long. The more you leave it on the more algae will grow. That's from my experience.

 

Unfortunately when i bought my LR it was about 8 months already cured so i do i have to cycle the lights. they are on an 8 hour timer right now.

 

Even with running the lights, once the available silicate is gone they will go away. Part of the normal cycling process. And as for the live rock, no you don't need to have the lights on for it.