Just a cycle question

[ghdarnell]

Hi, I am not new to the hobby, but new to the large tank. I didn't do it right the first time, I just got lucky. I have had the tank running for about a month now. All levels have stayed at 0, I have 2 damsels in the water. Nothing has spiked or dropped, and the only thing I have noticed is a LARGE amount of brown algae, that seemed to have little fingers on it. Now the brown algae has turned green, and my entire tank has green slime all over it. The water is clear, but everything is covered in green. Is there anything I can do about this? o

I don't have a clean up crew really or a protien skimmer at this time. But I don't know how much longer I have to wait. I am getting a little anxious. Any advice?

[rkelman]

It doesn't sound like you did wait.. You already have 2 fish..

[crvz]

water changes and a skimmer, with some snails if you want. algae problems are from excess nutrients, and you need to start controlling yours a bit more.

[mrauppius]

i have 2 damsels, that I am using specifically to cycle the tank. Should I wait until the algae is completely gone before I start any type of real stocking?

[rkelman]

Using fish to cycle a tank is unnecessary and very old school / frowned upon these days. You could do the exact same job just by feeding the tank a little. Its still very common for a LFS to suggest it though it seems.

[EllieSuz]

Have you thought about how you'll get those Damsels out of your tank? You absolutely won't want such aggressive fish in there. Suggest you get them out soon while you can still disturb your rock.