Something growing rapidly, please help

Should I cut back on light for now?

Thanks, guys! All very helpful and very much appreciated. I am breathing better today...lol

Regarding running my lighting (which is not really for reef)... only using 2 HO T5s (1 x 10k + 1 x actinic)...but since I added the happy hammerhead frag (7 days ago) ...and he's only 8" from the light source... they've been on about 12hrs. day.

Any thoughts on managing the lighting during the 'diatom phase'? Have you noticed any difference in how long or strong the diatom growth relative to the lighting?

Thanks!

 

I didn't change my lighting and they went away. I have T5HO's as well. The diatoms are due to the nutrients in the water right now. Once they run out, they will die, and cycling will be over. Yes they need light to grow. And lighting 12 hours a day is very long. Right now I am running mine 8 hours a day. If it were me I would decrease it to 10 hours a day, because this will also limit algae growth.

 

Diatoms aren't usually worth altering your lighting schedule for. I would say you shouldn't have them around too much longer.

 

12 hours is a long time though. If you don't have good levels (read from good test kits/equipment), eventually you will probably be running into an algae problem. I don't even know how big your tank is though or your levels, so who knows Breathe easy. Research research research

 

Also, to reassure you about the coraline...once you have finished the cycle and have all your calcium/other elements stabilized the coraline algae will grow. In fact, you do not even need a "donor" for this as is a regular part of the marine system.

You may even end up with more than you like and will find yourself scrubbing it off the walls and back of the tank regularly .