Diatom algae in new tank... How to remove?

jsncrs · 11/30/2013, 02:29 AM

Hey guys, I'm a newbie to marine tanks and set up up my new 200L with live rock almost a month ago. Set up is as follows:

Eheim classic 600 canister filter
Tunze comline 9004 protein skimmer
UV sterilizer
Aqua one wave maker
2 x 150w heaters
4 x 54w 4ft T5 lights on 10 hour cycle

About two weeks after adding the live rock I noticed some diatom algae which has progressively become worse. The sand is stained brown like dirt and the glass is covered in green. I've manually cleaned the tank but it keeps returning. Can someone walk me through how to remove the algae? What have I missed?

Denbf58 · 11/30/2013, 06:43 AM

normal part of the cycle. did you use ro/di water when setting up or did you use tap water do you have live stock in the tank if so what if there are no corals cut your light cycle down you can even go lights out for 3 three days

To Reef Central

Saltliquid · 11/30/2013, 06:52 AM

Its normal, just Wait.
Diatoms rely on nutrients and silica,silca will run down a bit and once tank is matured then you need to control nutrients,for now it's all natural and very normal!
GFH used later on once you have attained maturity will reduce nutrient phos and silica starving out both algae types with in reason.

jsncrs · 11/30/2013, 04:48 PM

Thanks guys, we're on tank water here so no tap water was used. I gave everything a good clean last night so we will see how it goes.

11/30/2013, 02:29 AM	#1
jsncrs Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 9	Diatom algae in new tank... How to remove? Hey guys, I'm a newbie to marine tanks and set up up my new 200L with live rock almost a month ago. Set up is as follows: Eheim classic 600 canister filter Tunze comline 9004 protein skimmer UV sterilizer Aqua one wave maker 2 x 150w heaters 4 x 54w 4ft T5 lights on 10 hour cycle About two weeks after adding the live rock I noticed some diatom algae which has progressively become worse. The sand is stained brown like dirt and the glass is covered in green. I've manually cleaned the tank but it keeps returning. Can someone walk me through how to remove the algae? What have I missed? Last edited by jsncrs; 11/30/2013 at 02:40 AM.

11/30/2013, 06:43 AM	#2
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	normal part of the cycle. did you use ro/di water when setting up or did you use tap water do you have live stock in the tank if so what if there are no corals cut your light cycle down you can even go lights out for 3 three days *To Reef Central* __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

11/30/2013, 06:52 AM	#3
Saltliquid Registered Member. Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brisbane Australia Posts: 911	Its normal, just Wait. Diatoms rely on nutrients and silica,silca will run down a bit and once tank is matured then you need to control nutrients,for now it's all natural and very normal! GFH used later on once you have attained maturity will reduce nutrient phos and silica starving out both algae types with in reason.

11/30/2013, 04:48 PM	#4
jsncrs Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 9	Thanks guys, we're on tank water here so no tap water was used. I gave everything a good clean last night so we will see how it goes.