Brown Stuff Growing on LR- Diatom Algae

Discussion in 'Live Rock' started by ZC42, Dec 22, 2011.

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  1. ZC42

    ZC42 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    Hey guys,

    I woke up this morning and saw there was a bunch of brown stuff on my LR, and after some searching found it to be diatom algae? Does this mean I'm near the end of my cycling process and will the stuff go away?
     
    ZC42, Dec 22, 2011
    ZC42, Dec 22, 2011
    #1

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  2. ZC42

    ZC42 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    Oh and also I just started cycling 5 days ago but I got live sand from an LFS tank and 100% live rock how long should the cycling process take?
     
    ZC42, Dec 22, 2011
    ZC42, Dec 22, 2011
    #2
  3. SnooknRedz

    SnooknRedz Vlamingii Tang

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    Mine took about a week in my 20, diatoms are a sign thats its at the end of the cycle, only way to know for sure is testing...
     
    SnooknRedz, Dec 22, 2011
    SnooknRedz, Dec 22, 2011
    #3
  4. clarky2120

    clarky2120 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    If it's been cycling for 5 days then you should be ready for fish in another 10 days or so. Don't rush anything. This hobby already costs enough money, do it right the first time.

    Test: ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. When ammonia and nitrites are at 0 and nitrates are below 50 your getting close to the end of the waiting period
     
    clarky2120, Dec 22, 2011
    clarky2120, Dec 22, 2011
    #4
  5. ZC42

    ZC42 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    oh yeah im not planning fish for a couple more weeks. Tested today
    pH-8.0
    Ammonia-.25 or .5 hard to tell on the chart
    Nitrite- 0
    Nitrate- really high 80
     
    ZC42, Dec 22, 2011
    ZC42, Dec 22, 2011
    #5
  6. SnooknRedz

    SnooknRedz Vlamingii Tang

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    Give it some more time. They should start to decline.
     
    SnooknRedz, Dec 22, 2011
    SnooknRedz, Dec 22, 2011
    #6