Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DiazE · 04/22/2007, 04:14 PM

whats this tan looking stuff all over my tank? im not sure but I think its algae

Spiffyguy · 04/22/2007, 04:45 PM

possibly diatoms. I got that on my sand when I first started up my tank.

DiazE · 04/22/2007, 04:58 PM

Spiffyguy,

will the hermit crabs eat this?

scowiii · 04/22/2007, 05:19 PM

Yes. Your cleanup crews will feast on it. You may want to read the section for newbies also it kinda explains everything there.

ybenormal · 04/22/2007, 07:30 PM

Diatoms are often the first in what is commonly referred to as the "succession of algae" that most new tanks experience. It's an almost unavoidable phase but normally clears up within a few weeks. If you don't have any high-light demanding corals or clams, you can minimize the algae by reducing or foregoing lighting on your lank for a while. This is just a band-aid though and algae will continue to grow until your tank is established.

The key at this point is to maintain high flow within the tank (random flow preferred), good filtration and partial water changes. You should have nothing in your tank right now that requires feeding. If you do though, feed sparingly and remove any foods that are not consumed within 3-5 minutes.

Happy reefing!

Spiffyguy · 04/22/2007, 07:46 PM

yeah I got the diatoms then some turf type algae. Of course I was going from nothing to a full tank. the TBS already has some bacteria colonies it just needs to catch up with it. It just takes a bit of time. Just keep an eye on the ammonia and do the water changes. you should be alright.

04/22/2007, 04:14 PM	#1
DiazE Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jersey City, NJ Posts: 1,177	Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! whats this tan looking stuff all over my tank? im not sure but I think its algae

04/22/2007, 04:45 PM	#2
Spiffyguy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: St Charles, Mo Posts: 1,646	possibly diatoms. I got that on my sand when I first started up my tank. __________________ Spiffyguy Ain't life spiffy!! Click the little red house to see my fish tank. "The cheese stands alone." Current Tank Info: 55 with in tank sump and TBS rock, Aquactinics TX5, Remora HOB oh my. 10 gallon AGA with custom overflow and Aquaclear HOB, Black sand rubble zone.

04/22/2007, 07:46 PM	#6
Spiffyguy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: St Charles, Mo Posts: 1,646	yeah I got the diatoms then some turf type algae. Of course I was going from nothing to a full tank. the TBS already has some bacteria colonies it just needs to catch up with it. It just takes a bit of time. Just keep an eye on the ammonia and do the water changes. you should be alright. __________________ Spiffyguy Ain't life spiffy!! Click the little red house to see my fish tank. "The cheese stands alone." Current Tank Info: 55 with in tank sump and TBS rock, Aquactinics TX5, Remora HOB oh my. 10 gallon AGA with custom overflow and Aquaclear HOB, Black sand rubble zone.

04/22/2007, 04:58 PM	#3
DiazE Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jersey City, NJ Posts: 1,177	Spiffyguy, will the hermit crabs eat this?

04/22/2007, 05:19 PM	#4
scowiii Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 426	Yes. Your cleanup crews will feast on it. You may want to read the section for newbies also it kinda explains everything there.

04/22/2007, 07:30 PM	#5
ybenormal Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 219	Diatoms are often the first in what is commonly referred to as the "succession of algae" that most new tanks experience. It's an almost unavoidable phase but normally clears up within a few weeks. If you don't have any high-light demanding corals or clams, you can minimize the algae by reducing or foregoing lighting on your lank for a while. This is just a band-aid though and algae will continue to grow until your tank is established. The key at this point is to maintain high flow within the tank (random flow preferred), good filtration and partial water changes. You should have nothing in your tank right now that requires feeding. If you do though, feed sparingly and remove any foods that are not consumed within 3-5 minutes. Happy reefing!