Diatoms Inevitable?

[jje2016]

22 days out cycling my tank using Red Sea's Reef Mature Kit (lighting on) and in the last day or so, I am seeing tons more brown spots forming all over the rocks (BRS Reef Saver) and all over the sandbed. My assumption is that it's diatoms? Are diatoms inevitable? A good sign? Or sign that I need to get some more CUC asap? Is it good to have a little in the tank at all times or enough CUC that it's never present? Just don't want it to get overboard...

 

[Nihilus]

Check this out.

http://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide

HTH.

 

[Diesel]

If they are diatoms it ain't a problem, if they are not (cyano) than we got a problem.
Can you post a picture fro us to see if they are diatoms or not?

 

[jje2016]

 

[jje2016]

If they are diatoms it ain't a problem, if they are not (cyano) than we got a problem.
Can you post a picture fro us to see if they are diatoms or not?

Thoughts? Should I/can I still leave my lights on as per my regular schedule?

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Leave the tank alone. You need to let it go through this startup phase. You don't need to do anything, but sit back and watch. With or without a CUC, the diatoms will fade. It's going to get worse, before it gets better. I found the more I mess with it, the longer it takes to go away.

 

[Prozack199]

Like Lion said Just Let It Run Its Course.

 

[Diesel]

Second as the above statements.
What you see are diatoms and it will go away once you run through the cycling process.
Do you test your water on ammonia, nitrite as required everyday to see which direction you going?
Btw, better is to turn lights off as cycling a tank don't need lights basically.
Some leave lights on or use a reduced schedule but I always had them off for the 2 months of cycling.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

This was one of my tanks, before the diatoms, during and after. I never touched a thing during this period.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Oh oops, I didn't realize I left the text in the screen capture. I couldn't just post the picture, as it's three separate photos in a table.

 

[jje2016]

Second as the above statements.
What you see are diatoms and it will go away once you run through the cycling process.
Do you test your water on ammonia, nitrite as required everyday to see which direction you going?
Btw, better is to turn lights off as cycling a tank don't need lights basically.
Some leave lights on or use a reduced schedule but I always had them off for the 2 months of cycling.

I test everyday as well as dose according to the Red Sea Reef Mature Pro Kit.

 

[jje2016]

Thanks everyone! I followed Red Sea's Reef Mature Cycling Kit to a T and in the instructions, I would told to introduce fish. So I have 2 small clownfish among a small CUC. So I'd like to keep lighting on for these little guys. Does it hurt the fish to leave the lighting off? Actually, can you guys recommend a revised lighting schedule for me while my tank is going through the diatom phase?

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I just leave mine on. I personally found if I leave them off during the cycle, I still get the diatom bloom, which fades. Then, when I turn on the lights, I get a second mini bloom. So, halfway through, I turn on the lights. The reason I don't do it in the beginning, is I figure, why burn the electricity.

One of my tanks don't have light over it still.... and that tank is about 2 years old :)

 

[Bunnee911]

Congrats. You are on the right road. Enjoy the trip.

 

[jje2016]

Guys... these diatoms are ALL over my rock and especially my sandbed. Not loving this look at all! I just did a 10% water change (135g) on Monday. While I have these diatoms, should I be doing water changes more frequently? Or stick to my original plan of bi-weekly water changes?

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Stick to your plan.

 

[jje2016]

Should I be adding GFO Media at this point?

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I haven't used that, so others will have a better answer for you.

 

[Joshky]

You may not like the look, but your tank has to go through this stage. I wouldn't start using GFO as it's expensive and there's no saying it's necessary, your tank has to cycle through these stages to mature into a healthy thriving ecosystem. Once you hit green hair algae you may want to consider the use of GFO, depending on how long it lasts in your system, but even then it will go away on its own without your interference. Sorry to say but reefs are very similar to taking up the art of Bonsai, patience is a tool you have to learn to be successful.

Just my two cents.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

22 days out cycling.

I was taking that to mean 22 days after your cycle was completed. Or do you mean it's 22 days since you started cycling and you're still in the middle of it?