is there a way to...

Kengaroo131 · 03/28/2007, 01:27 PM

is there a way to clean live rock without messing it up even if you can mess it up. also i'v been getting this brown and greenish algae groth all over the sand bed and a little on the rocks is there a way to control this? the tank is 7 weeks old as of today. (3/28/07) any kind of help would be great. Thanks!

zoomfish1 · 03/28/2007, 01:36 PM

The algea you are having are diatoms. Very normal and expected in a new tank. There are a few more algea blooms coming your way also.

All you need to do for your rock is maybe blow off detritus with a turkey baster or a powerhead. Really no need to clean it. You want the coraline algea to build on the rocks. Most of the beneficial bacteria that dosen't live in the sandbed lives in the crevices of the live rock.

To control future algea problems, keep a tight reign on nitrates and phosphates; keep plenty of flow in the tank and watch the light cycle. A shorter cycle will also help keep the algea down a bit.

There are sticky threads at the top of this forum you can check out. I believe Waterkeeper pinned his name to them. Very helpful reading for new guys and gals. Hope this helps some.

Kengaroo131 · 03/28/2007, 01:40 PM

yes im sure it will thanks a bunch!

alexb518 · 03/28/2007, 01:42 PM

like zoomfish said, it's normal and you should expect this. throw in some hermits or snails so they clean your rocks up for you.

drummereef · 03/28/2007, 01:56 PM

Yup, totally normal for new tanks to go through a diatom and hair algae bloom. Once the cycle is completely over you can add a cleanup crew to help. It should pass on its own and with the help of the crew. If you aren't already, I'd suggest using RO/DI water for your water source.

03/28/2007, 01:27 PM	#1
Kengaroo131 Fish Crazy Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jupiter, Florida Posts: 1,361	is there a way to... is there a way to clean live rock without messing it up even if you can mess it up. also i'v been getting this brown and greenish algae groth all over the sand bed and a little on the rocks is there a way to control this? the tank is 7 weeks old as of today. (3/28/07) any kind of help would be great. Thanks!

03/28/2007, 01:36 PM	#2
zoomfish1 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 1,659	The algea you are having are diatoms. Very normal and expected in a new tank. There are a few more algea blooms coming your way also. All you need to do for your rock is maybe blow off detritus with a turkey baster or a powerhead. Really no need to clean it. You want the coraline algea to build on the rocks. Most of the beneficial bacteria that dosen't live in the sandbed lives in the crevices of the live rock. To control future algea problems, keep a tight reign on nitrates and phosphates; keep plenty of flow in the tank and watch the light cycle. A shorter cycle will also help keep the algea down a bit. There are sticky threads at the top of this forum you can check out. I believe Waterkeeper pinned his name to them. Very helpful reading for new guys and gals. Hope this helps some. __________________ Zoomfish Current Tank Info: 75g RR, dsb w/90 lbs sand, 150 lb live rock, anemone & LPS tank

03/28/2007, 01:40 PM	#3
Kengaroo131 Fish Crazy Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jupiter, Florida Posts: 1,361	yes im sure it will thanks a bunch! __________________ ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 75 gallon mixed reef, 12 gallon bookshelf reef

03/28/2007, 01:56 PM	#5
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Yup, totally normal for new tanks to go through a diatom and hair algae bloom. Once the cycle is completely over you can add a cleanup crew to help. It should pass on its own and with the help of the crew. If you aren't already, I'd suggest using RO/DI water for your water source. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

03/28/2007, 01:42 PM	#4
alexb518 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Mateo Posts: 514	like zoomfish said, it's normal and you should expect this. throw in some hermits or snails so they clean your rocks up for you.