To quick for Algae

Ok day 10 for my 24g nano tank.. Getting Rust color Algae on the upper part of the live rock closest to my lights.. And some on the sand. Here are a few pics. PH is 8.2, Nitrate N03 is .5. N02 is zero, phosphates are zer0.. Just seems quick.. Any thoughts?

 

Brown Diatoms?

 

diatoms

they use up all the silicates in the aquarium and then they go away

nothing to worry about, no action required

Steve

 

Thanks but is it go soon? Have my lights running about 6 hours on rest of the time off.. Is that to much? I have HQI lights.

 

Varies depending on how much silicate is available

but typically in my set ups it can come and go anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks

are you using RODI for set up and top offs?
if your using tap water, that could extend the duration and intensity of the bloom in addition to other potential issues

Steve

 

Lights question
if you have no livestock in there at present, running lights is a waste of your money IMO
It looks like you used base rock, so at least running the lights should not cause any major algae menaces ( if you used live rock, running for a few weeks with no lights is a better option IME)

Just 1 comment based on pictures
your water surface seems very still to me, and you might find you get a white protien based scum forming on it
I would try and increase water movement along the surface as this will help maintain oxygen levels in the water and prevent that scum forming

Steve

 

Great Info Steve. Water is moving pretty good. I took the pick right up on the glass I also have a power head just haven't put int in yet. I am using Live Rock. 25lbs of it. There is no livestock in the water. I am using RO/DI water.. Mixing my own salt. Salintiy is about about 1.022 temp is 78-82degrees.. I am due for a RO/DI filter change.. Just been waiting for them to get to me. Temp has been a bit elevated due to a tiny heat wave in the area..

 

that temp variation is not an issue IME - its when corals are in there and tanks hit 85 that some seem to whither in the heat IME

With no coral and due to fact you used live rock, I would be tempted to leave those lights off so you dont encourage nuisance algaes whilst the nutrient levels are high during the cycle



Steve

 

Awesome Info Steve.. Thanks again.. Just shut my lights off.. Hopefully will be smooth cycling..