Jeweled bubbles on new algae

I'm sure this is normal process but I want to be sure. New tank going on 3 weeks 80 gal, 2 HO actinic 65watt bulbs and 2 HO 10,000K 65 watt all floresent. 1 of each bulb on for 11 hours and the other 2 on for 16 hrs overlaping. I'm planning for a Fish and live rock setup with a few anenomies. (live rock is in and established in a tank for several years, 50 lbs). I'm not good at identifing algae but it looks brown (like a rust) with small silver looking bubbles all over the areas that get the most light. It's very pretty but it's growing pretty fast. I want to be sure I have enough light for anenomies but am I over doing it? PH 8.4 and amonia, nitrate and nitrite all "0". Tank has 2 percula clowns, 2 yellowtail damsels and a Mandarin Dragonet, all doing very well. Do I have anything to be concerned about? (except my spelling) )

 

If you don't want to have major issues with your tank I would cut the light cycle back. I have my Actinics on for 9 hours and the Daylight bulbs on for 8 hours. This is plenty of light for any creature you select.Even though you added some mature LR adding a Mandarin to a 3 week old tank is a huge mistake unless it eats prepared foods (not likely unless it's tank bred)several times a day it will probably starve to death in your system.

 

Thanks for the reply. Would the 8 and 9 hours your running lights be enough for an anenomie? The Manderin loves blood worms and seems to eat his fill. What do you think about the bubbles?

 

Duration is only part of the equation. Intensity is another. Are these Compact fluorescents? If so you will need to upgrade them to keep most anemone's.
That's good that it eats Bloodworms. Is it an ORA Mandarin? From what you describe it sounds like Cyano or Dino. A pic will help I.D. it.

 

The Mandarin is a S. Splendidus. The lights are 48" T5 HO Quad 216W w/Timer Marine Version (4x 54W) I seem to have a great deal of trouble getting informatioin on the correct amount of lighting. First it's too long for the type of bulbs but then I need more for anenomies but less to keep down the algae. The articles I find here are good with generalities but short on details I can use. HELP!

 

Your fixture is fine for anemone's. Just use the 8-9 hour cycle and you will be fine.
You will quickly discover that here at 3reef we have many knowledgable people who are happy to help.

 

+1 to all that vinny said, i use t5s and i have 4 btas all happy and fat. i run my lights 12hours but thats cus i have no other choice seeing as i leave for work at 7 am and im back no sooner than 6pm hence giving me little time for feeding but as said 9-10 hours is more than enough. i would also be careful with adding a mandarin at 3 weeks.

 

Think we lost track of the main issue for Stovebolt here.. the algae. As long as you do not have a Nem yet, I would do a black out to get the algae under control. Blooms of several varieties are normal with a new set up. I went through 2 separate algae stages when I did mine with established rock just like you did. If yours is like mine, the hair algae is next. Doing a black out, then slowly increasing light time as my bacteria became established worked for me. There are WAY more people who know A LOT more than me here so keep reading and keep asking!!

 

Not quite sure how you came to that conclusion. I was actually trying to answer all his questions. Yes I agree though a blackout will help.

 

You've ALL been a big help! Keep it coming! Can I assume that I should turn the lights on for feeding time during the black-out?