Lights off 72hours

duncantse · 03/08/2011, 12:17 AM

If I leave my lights off for 3 days, do you think my diatom algae will die off? I also have some dark green algae and cyano. My tank is 10 weeks old.

davocean · 03/08/2011, 12:24 AM

I and many others have done the lights off trick, but your tank is still relatively new, not sure I'd do that just yet.
Diatoms are pretty common in a newly cycled tank, same as other nuissance algaes.
At this time I would stay on top of WC's, aggressive skimming, light feedings, RO/DI, macro if you have a sump.
Patience and dilligence, it will pass.

duncantse · 03/08/2011, 12:33 AM

The diatoms has been on the works for 2 weeks now. I am getting really tired of looking at it. I will try this method to see if it will work or not then I'll post back. Oh yah, would you recommend feeding twice a day or three times? I have a pair of clowns right now.

eja99 · 03/08/2011, 01:44 AM

It sounds like your tank is still cycling. Let that process run its course and then worry about the algae.

But yes 3 days without any light should do the trick.

ksweat · 03/08/2011, 05:10 AM

I would cut back to once a day or maybe even once every other day until things are under control.

lisafoster · 03/08/2011, 06:49 AM

I would think with just a pair of clowns feeding once a day is enough.

Cozmo4 · 03/08/2011, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lisafoster

I would think with just a pair of clowns feeding once a day is enough.

+1 once a day or even every other day is going to be fine for now if you have diatom or algea issues. Make sure that you aren't over feeding when you do feed as well. Just what the clowns can eat within a couple minutes.

wmdick_2007 · 03/08/2011, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncantse

The diatoms has been on the works for 2 weeks now. I am getting really tired of looking at it. I will try this method to see if it will work or not then I'll post back. Oh yah, would you recommend feeding twice a day or three times? I have a pair of clowns right now.

Feed a little twice a day, after a few more weeks compare your output --> Nitrate, to input --> any organics / food.

These algae are cleaning your water. I leave green patches on my side glass and rarely touch my back glass. I just like life !

Here is a little information : http://www.marinefish.net/html/algae_control.html

davocean · 03/08/2011, 09:17 AM

Also agree one feeding a day at this time.

duncantse · 03/08/2011, 09:43 AM

Thanks for the information guys. I'll cut back feeding once a day.
Anyone have any experience to how long the diatoms will go away?

ticklem · 03/08/2011, 09:51 AM

I agree with just 2 clowns I would only feed 1 time a day. And the diatoms will go away over time if you are doing your water changes. That happens to every new tank so don't be alarmed.

greech · 03/08/2011, 12:23 PM

Diatom blooms last longer in certain tanks. From what I have read, they primarily/soley feed off silcates which are present in plastics and glass we use in our aquariums as well as sands. Once the silicate supply is consume, the diatoms die off. However, if your water supply is not free of silicates, you will continue to fuel them. If you suspect this is the case verify your (or your LFS's) RO/DI unit is working properly. It may be necessary to use a silicate buster type cartridge in the RO/DI unit as well.

I have also had good results with Rowaphos to remove silicates and cut off my diatoms.

03/08/2011, 12:17 AM	#1
duncantse Fish Advisor Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,604	Lights off 72hours If I leave my lights off for 3 days, do you think my diatom algae will die off? I also have some dark green algae and cyano. My tank is 10 weeks old.

03/08/2011, 12:24 AM	#2
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	I and many others have done the lights off trick, but your tank is still relatively new, not sure I'd do that just yet. Diatoms are pretty common in a newly cycled tank, same as other nuissance algaes. At this time I would stay on top of WC's, aggressive skimming, light feedings, RO/DI, macro if you have a sump. Patience and dilligence, it will pass. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

03/08/2011, 06:49 AM	#6
lisafoster so much to learn Join Date: May 2010 Location: massachusetts Posts: 621	I would think with just a pair of clowns feeding once a day is enough. __________________ 125 mixed reef/ semi aggressive 15 gallon angler nano reef tank 40 breeder reef Current Tank Info: 125 gallon evolving reef/ 15gallon angler nano reef, 40 gallon breeder reef

03/08/2011, 09:17 AM	#9
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Also agree one feeding a day at this time. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

03/08/2011, 09:51 AM	#11
ticklem Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 108	I agree with just 2 clowns I would only feed 1 time a day. And the diatoms will go away over time if you are doing your water changes. That happens to every new tank so don't be alarmed. __________________ Nuvo 24 Mixed Reef 2 ecotech radion pros, Neptune Apex controller, Ebo Jager 100 watt heater, stock everything else. Current Tank Info: Innovative Marine Fusion 30L

03/08/2011, 12:33 AM	#3
duncantse Fish Advisor Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,604	The diatoms has been on the works for 2 weeks now. I am getting really tired of looking at it. I will try this method to see if it will work or not then I'll post back. Oh yah, would you recommend feeding twice a day or three times? I have a pair of clowns right now.

03/08/2011, 01:44 AM	#4
eja99 HI Monk Seal Poipu Kauai Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Northern CA Posts: 224	It sounds like your tank is still cycling. Let that process run its course and then worry about the algae. But yes 3 days without any light should do the trick.

03/08/2011, 05:10 AM	#5
ksweat Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Destrehan, LA Posts: 72	I would cut back to once a day or maybe even once every other day until things are under control.

03/08/2011, 09:43 AM	#10
duncantse Fish Advisor Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,604	Thanks for the information guys. I'll cut back feeding once a day. Anyone have any experience to how long the diatoms will go away?

03/08/2011, 12:23 PM	#12
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	Diatom blooms last longer in certain tanks. From what I have read, they primarily/soley feed off silcates which are present in plastics and glass we use in our aquariums as well as sands. Once the silicate supply is consume, the diatoms die off. However, if your water supply is not free of silicates, you will continue to fuel them. If you suspect this is the case verify your (or your LFS's) RO/DI unit is working properly. It may be necessary to use a silicate buster type cartridge in the RO/DI unit as well. I have also had good results with Rowaphos to remove silicates and cut off my diatoms. __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

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