New tanks and algae

Patis46 · 08/15/2008, 04:17 PM

Ok so i know algae is to be expected in a new tank,,But what is the progression of algae.
It starts with brown,Then green but after that does it go on to different colors?
Also about how long do the different outbreaks of algae last for a new tank?
Thanks
Pat

paraletho · 08/15/2008, 05:58 PM

Third stage is probably going to be bubble algae. Then maybe different forms of macroalgae. Mine is in bubble algae with a smattering of caterpillar algae (looks like little yellow green cylindrical sponges) If your hair algae persists and you show no nitrates check for phosphates. Sometimes if the hair algae is localized to a specific rock it is possible it is a phosphate sump or in other words the phosphate is trapped inside and leaching out.

crvz · 08/15/2008, 06:27 PM

length of outbreaks is very dependent on the substrate and whats in the tank, so that's hard to tell. I'd say usually diatoms (brown) start it out, and then green hair algae might show up. Really that's all I'd expect to see, anything else would raise a small flag to me.

08/15/2008, 04:17 PM	#1
Patis46 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sandpoint ID Posts: 44	New tanks and algae Ok so i know algae is to be expected in a new tank,,But what is the progression of algae. It starts with brown,Then green but after that does it go on to different colors? Also about how long do the different outbreaks of algae last for a new tank? Thanks Pat __________________ Wife said..Honey i think you need a hobby. Current Tank Info: 55G with nothing but SW in it;) 20G sump, skimmer, 6X54 T5-HO 48in light

08/15/2008, 05:58 PM	#2
paraletho Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sabine Pass TX Posts: 433	Third stage is probably going to be bubble algae. Then maybe different forms of macroalgae. Mine is in bubble algae with a smattering of caterpillar algae (looks like little yellow green cylindrical sponges) If your hair algae persists and you show no nitrates check for phosphates. Sometimes if the hair algae is localized to a specific rock it is possible it is a phosphate sump or in other words the phosphate is trapped inside and leaching out. __________________ There is no better feeling in the world than waking up in the morning and knowing you're doing what you were born to do. It's your life just do it Current Tank Info: 32month old 58 gallon (GBTA,Mushrooms,Dendros,Ricordea,Red Planet,Lobo, Open Brain,10" Torch,Hammer/Frogspawn Xbreed, Mated Pair Ocellaris, Powder Blue ,CB shrimp, assorted cleanup crew) mag 9, 6x39 T5 ATI; 21 mth old 125 gal SPS 50 gal sump/refugium

08/15/2008, 06:27 PM	#3
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	length of outbreaks is very dependent on the substrate and whats in the tank, so that's hard to tell. I'd say usually diatoms (brown) start it out, and then green hair algae might show up. Really that's all I'd expect to see, anything else would raise a small flag to me. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?