brown color live rock

how long does it take for brown algae to go away

 

a couple of weeks, but it depends on the system. i wouldn't worry about brown algae there are much more annoying ones to come

edit: wait tell you get cyanobacteria that sucks. if you want to try and prevent the algae outbreaks, you could try phosban, or setup a refugium

 

what do you mean refugium

 

A refugium is a sub tank that is connected to your display tank, usually below the tank in a sump. People will have macroalgae in that tank as a natural filter to absorb the nutrients in the tank. Basically "good" algae will absorb the nitrates in the water to prevent "bad" algae from growing.

 

basically its a little planted saltwater tank that is plumbed inline two the tank. the bigger plants out compete the algae for nutrients to grow, mean no more little algae. there are a number of benefits. we have a forum here devoted just to that, if you look around you will get a better idea of what it is.

 

do you have to have one to make brown algae go away, i just have a small 8 gallon cube

 

i am just attempting to suceed with a small tank so i can set up a big tank. i was told it is harder to keep a small tank.

 

it is harder to keep a small tank, because stuff can change very fast. no you don't have to have a refugium, just do your water changes regularly and you shouldn't have any problems. usually refugiums are for bigger tanks that its hard to do the large water changes with.

 

oh i see how long does a small tank take to cycle

 

it depends upon the tank, anywhere form a couple weeks to 12 weeks. it won't be fully mature until a year in, which is when you made it through most of the problems.