Brown algae problem

[Austin R]

Pretty good chance it's diatoms. Diatoms eventually go away. They are also a good food source for micro fauna and essential for new reefs. I would just let it ride. Definitely look into a 4-stage+ RO/DI.

I used to haul RO water from the LFS and eventually the grocery store. Got old very quick. I purchased a BRS 4 stage and typically the filters last me about a year...typically.

You said the tanks been running a week? What type of sand did you use?

I had it running for a couple months then it broke so it sat there then about a month ago I fixed it so it's ran for about that long I just did the water change and This is the sand I used

 

[BoneXriffic]

If its now a month old and re cycling. Then that explains the diatoms and is good news

 

[Dom]

Looks like I need a big water change not sure how stuff is living in my tank..... my nitrite is 0 I couldn't fit it in the picture

Are those nitrates 80?

 

[Dom]

That is definatly not good, how often do you usually do a WC?

"Give it to me straight, Doc... I can take it!"

 

[Dom]

Would you recommend scrubbing all the algae from glass and rocks?

I think water changes are the place to start. And, there isn't any point in doing water changes with tap water. I urge you to consider RO/DI. I understand they have conditioners for tap, but there are certain must-haves in this hobby and I feel RO/DI water should be counted among them.