algae question

nrbelk · 04/18/2010, 06:15 PM

I have this dark green/brown algae growing on my sand. It started in one corner and now is starting to spread everywhere there are open spots on my sand.

I don't see any leafy or hair parts, it just builds up on itself to make a dark colored mat.

After the lights have been off for a while, it doesn't seem as intense, but after a few hours of lights, it is back to its dark color.

What does it sound like and how can I get rid of it?

Thanks

drnihili · 04/18/2010, 06:30 PM

New tank?

Sounds like diatoms.

nrbelk · 04/18/2010, 07:32 PM

ya, the tank is only about a month old, what are diatoms?

thebkramer · 04/18/2010, 08:18 PM

It usually goes away on its own. Its part of the newbie tank cycle.
Here is some more info on it

http://www.garf.org/diatom.html

Also do a search here on RC for diatoms, lots of info out there!

amcor3066 · 04/18/2010, 08:54 PM

go buy a diamond goby, it will not get rid of the problem but will agitate the sand and keep it off the sand.

dschnepf · 04/19/2010, 05:15 PM

Normal cycle of a new tank, allow a few weeks and it will disipate.

Jstdv8 · 04/19/2010, 05:18 PM

it grows so rapidly it will starve out the whole colony of diatomson its own. just let it grow out of control, no maintenance is required to stop it. totally normal.

thelittlereef · 04/19/2010, 05:21 PM

What's your water movement like fast,slow? Sounds like a new tank thing if it sticks around incress water flow.

jeepguy242 · 04/19/2010, 05:29 PM

you couls syphon it out during water changes if it really gets bad, but it will go away on its own

mushroombreath · 04/19/2010, 05:51 PM

My tank is fairly new too, nrbelk. I posted some pictures of it on my profile..mine are diotoms and I've been told they go away after a while!

04/18/2010, 06:15 PM	#1
nrbelk Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho Posts: 935	algae question I have this dark green/brown algae growing on my sand. It started in one corner and now is starting to spread everywhere there are open spots on my sand. I don't see any leafy or hair parts, it just builds up on itself to make a dark colored mat. After the lights have been off for a while, it doesn't seem as intense, but after a few hours of lights, it is back to its dark color. What does it sound like and how can I get rid of it? Thanks

04/18/2010, 08:18 PM	#4
thebkramer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Clifton Park, NY Posts: 3,198	It usually goes away on its own. Its part of the newbie tank cycle. Here is some more info on it http://www.garf.org/diatom.html Also do a search here on RC for diatoms, lots of info out there! __________________ Rhonda There is NO such things as Dumb Questions!! There are However.. Dumb Answers!!! ;) ____________ Current Tank Info: 55g reef....Current Orbit SunPaq Lights, HOB Eshopps, HOB AquaClear 110, 2-1400 Koralia Powerheads & 1 Nano Koralia, 40+ lbs LR, 2" LS

04/19/2010, 05:29 PM	#9
jeepguy242 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Winston Salem NC Posts: 370	you couls syphon it out during water changes if it really gets bad, but it will go away on its own __________________ Greensboro NC area reef club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef, 40 gallon sump, mag 9.5 return, quiet one 6000 closed loop, reef octo NWB-150 2010 model, diy kalkwasser reactor and ATO, 3 250 watt MH 14k

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04/18/2010, 06:30 PM	#2
drnihili Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 172	New tank? Sounds like diatoms.

04/18/2010, 07:32 PM	#3
nrbelk Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho Posts: 935	ya, the tank is only about a month old, what are diatoms?

04/18/2010, 08:54 PM	#5
amcor3066 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 10	go buy a diamond goby, it will not get rid of the problem but will agitate the sand and keep it off the sand.

04/19/2010, 05:15 PM	#6
dschnepf Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 54	Normal cycle of a new tank, allow a few weeks and it will disipate.

04/19/2010, 05:18 PM	#7
Jstdv8 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 1,420	it grows so rapidly it will starve out the whole colony of diatomson its own. just let it grow out of control, no maintenance is required to stop it. totally normal.

04/19/2010, 05:21 PM	#8
thelittlereef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 82	What's your water movement like fast,slow? Sounds like a new tank thing if it sticks around incress water flow.

04/19/2010, 05:51 PM	#10
mushroombreath Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 41	My tank is fairly new too, nrbelk. I posted some pictures of it on my profile..mine are diotoms and I've been told they go away after a while!