Can I brush rock in the tank?

ken6217 · 11/26/2006, 08:42 PM

I have a reef tank set up for about 5 weeks. It cycled 2 weeks ago. I am getting some pretty good coralline growth, but also the usual start up algae... diatoms and a greenish tint on the rocks. Is it Ok to use a toothbrush to remove the greenish tint on the rocks in the tank or will that spread the algae like that. I cannot remove the rock from the tank.

Thanks,
Ken

drummereef · 11/26/2006, 09:42 PM

You could I suppose, but I wouldn't recommend it. You might inadvertently pop some bubble algae or brush over an aptasia or hydroid, then you'll have a huge problem on your hands. Better solution is to keep up your water changes and let the tank go through its normal algae blooms. As the tank matures these should go away on their own.

HornetMech242 · 11/26/2006, 11:33 PM

I would not scrub anything off into the tank. You are only going to add to the problem that is probably high phosphates. Test nitrites, phosphates, ammonia and nitrites and post the results for that. Chances are your cycle is not completely finished in that short of time. Another thing you can do is add a refugium with some cheato to take the extra nutrients out.

Chris

Sk8r · 11/26/2006, 11:48 PM

Wind and yank with the toothbrush, don't scrub. That gets the long filaments off so that your cleaning crew will be able to handle it.

Don't fret about algae during the cycle: it only proves the cycle is working. When you're through the cycle, do your small water change and get your cleaning crew, and they'll have the tank looking spiff again in a few weeks.

11/26/2006, 08:42 PM	#1
ken6217 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 2,179	Can I brush rock in the tank? I have a reef tank set up for about 5 weeks. It cycled 2 weeks ago. I am getting some pretty good coralline growth, but also the usual start up algae... diatoms and a greenish tint on the rocks. Is it Ok to use a toothbrush to remove the greenish tint on the rocks in the tank or will that spread the algae like that. I cannot remove the rock from the tank. Thanks, Ken

11/26/2006, 09:42 PM	#2
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	You could I suppose, but I wouldn't recommend it. You might inadvertently pop some bubble algae or brush over an aptasia or hydroid, then you'll have a huge problem on your hands. Better solution is to keep up your water changes and let the tank go through its normal algae blooms. As the tank matures these should go away on their own. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

11/26/2006, 11:33 PM	#3
HornetMech242 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 786	I would not scrub anything off into the tank. You are only going to add to the problem that is probably high phosphates. Test nitrites, phosphates, ammonia and nitrites and post the results for that. Chances are your cycle is not completely finished in that short of time. Another thing you can do is add a refugium with some cheato to take the extra nutrients out. Chris __________________ I didin't know, it's my first day... Current Tank Info: 120g AGA, 150 #'s fiji rock, DIY stand & canopy, 2 250 watt MH's 14000k on Ice Cap ballast's in Lumenbright reflectors, Mag 9.5 return pump, Dart pump with Oceans Motions closed loop, octopus DNW200 skimmer, GEO 618 Calcium reactor

11/26/2006, 11:48 PM	#4
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Wind and yank with the toothbrush, don't scrub. That gets the long filaments off so that your cleaning crew will be able to handle it. Don't fret about algae during the cycle: it only proves the cycle is working. When you're through the cycle, do your small water change and get your cleaning crew, and they'll have the tank looking spiff again in a few weeks. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.