Brown Algae?

mastewar20 · 01/22/2018, 04:59 PM

I recently upgraded from a 55 gal to a 90 gal tank. I used the same rock, sand and water. I has been about 3 weeks now and I have brown stuff all over my glass, overflow, and return. Is this an indication of this tank cycling? What can I do to get rid of it? or will it go away on its own? I have several snails in my tank but it is like they are not eating it? Please help. I tested my water and ph is 8.2, ammonia is 0, Nitrate is 20 +/-10. nitrite is 0. Phosphate is 0.25. I use DI water and do a 10% water change every week.

mcgyvr · 01/22/2018, 05:47 PM

Sounds like diatoms which are a totally normal part of a new tank and is the start of whats commonly called the "ugly stages".. which starts as diatoms.. then green hair/film algae then even some cyanobacterial mats..

all are normal in a new tank as it starts to become a living environment..
All will go away sometimes just as quick as they started provided you keep up with normal tank maintenance (water changes/keeping nitrates/phosphates low,etc..avoiding overfeeding,etc...)

totally normal diatoms it surely sounds like..

mastewar20 · 01/22/2018, 06:42 PM

So even if I used the same water and same rocks and same sand as in the 55 gallon that had already went thru this process, this tank will have to do it too? I did not realize that. Thanks for your help. Should I wipe the brown stuff off or should I let it stay and run its course?

avery155 · 01/22/2018, 07:28 PM

Let it die off on its own if it's diatoms it will be short lived.

Reef noob_ · 01/23/2018, 08:38 AM

Definitely diatoms. Happens in pretty much any new tank ( and yes even though it’s the same stuff its still a new system). Just let it run it’s course and stay on top of maintenance. Congrats on the upgrade as well!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

01/22/2018, 04:59 PM	#1
mastewar20 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Georgia Posts: 21	Brown Algae? I recently upgraded from a 55 gal to a 90 gal tank. I used the same rock, sand and water. I has been about 3 weeks now and I have brown stuff all over my glass, overflow, and return. Is this an indication of this tank cycling? What can I do to get rid of it? or will it go away on its own? I have several snails in my tank but it is like they are not eating it? Please help. I tested my water and ph is 8.2, ammonia is 0, Nitrate is 20 +/-10. nitrite is 0. Phosphate is 0.25. I use DI water and do a 10% water change every week.

01/22/2018, 05:47 PM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Sounds like diatoms which are a totally normal part of a new tank and is the start of whats commonly called the "ugly stages".. which starts as diatoms.. then green hair/film algae then even some cyanobacterial mats.. all are normal in a new tank as it starts to become a living environment.. All will go away sometimes just as quick as they started provided you keep up with normal tank maintenance (water changes/keeping nitrates/phosphates low,etc..avoiding overfeeding,etc...) totally normal diatoms it surely sounds like.. __________________ Who me?

01/23/2018, 08:38 AM	#5
Reef noob_ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: holmdel, NJ Posts: 555	Brown Algae? Definitely diatoms. Happens in pretty much any new tank ( and yes even though it’s the same stuff its still a new system). Just let it run it’s course and stay on top of maintenance. Congrats on the upgrade as well! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ ________________________ New Build in progress http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2528685 90 gallon DT, 65 Gallon Fuge, Chinese LEDs, LPS and Soft coral reef

01/22/2018, 06:42 PM	#3
mastewar20 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Georgia Posts: 21	So even if I used the same water and same rocks and same sand as in the 55 gallon that had already went thru this process, this tank will have to do it too? I did not realize that. Thanks for your help. Should I wipe the brown stuff off or should I let it stay and run its course?

01/22/2018, 07:28 PM	#4
avery155 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: South of Pittsburgh Posts: 79	Let it die off on its own if it's diatoms it will be short lived.