Introduction

[bhudson]

Hello REEF2REEF !

I'm new to the Saltwater monster but I've enjoyed learning much over the past 3 or 4 months.

I added saltwater and Caribsea Rock/Sand to a Red Sea Peninsula ( 26 gallon ) on Oct 9th. I began a fishless cycle on Oct 10th, and the cycle was complete Nov 11th.

Nov 12th I added 2 small Clownfish. I have paid close attention to water testing and haven't seen a bit of Ammonia or Nitrite since fish were added. I've been good about water changes to keep Nitrates down, and generally have changed between 5 and 10 gallons a week so far.

Then I made what I now consider a mistake... on Nov 25th I added 3 torch corals ( dipped for good measure ) to my tank. The next morning, the Brown algae appeared. Only a few spots. Quarter size. Then it began to get larger. I did a 10 gallon water change already.. cleaned the sand and rock best I could. Toothbrush and gravel vacuum. That looked good for a day or so, but the algae came back strong.

The pictures here are what it looks like now. Nov 29th.

I just tested my water . This past hour.

Temp 76.5
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate Between 5 and 10ppm I'm guessing? The colors on the API test kit can be tough to read sometimes.
pH 7.9
Phosphate 0
Salinity 1.024
Alk dKH 9.7

I haven't been running my protein skimmer because I can't seem to get it dialed in. I've just had it turned off...

I've reduced my lighting to 30% 9 hours/day . I'm afraid to reduce it further because of the torches.

So a couple questions if I may..

What can I do to help clear up the algae? Should I be patient? Can I wait this out? Or is there a proactive measure I can take?

Also, what can I do to lower my dKH? My LFS is telling me I should be closer to 8.5 dKH.

Any info is much appreciated. Cheers from Delaware, USA.

-Bill

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[jsker]

The diatoms are part of the cycling process, May I ask what kind of light you are running?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hello REEF2REEF !

I'm new to the Saltwater monster but I've enjoyed learning much over the past 3 or 4 months.

I added saltwater and Caribsea Rock/Sand to a Red Sea Peninsula ( 26 gallon ) on Oct 9th. I began a fishless cycle on Oct 10th, and the cycle was complete Nov 11th.

Nov 12th I added 2 small Clownfish. I have paid close attention to water testing and haven't seen a bit of Ammonia or Nitrite since fish were added. I've been good about water changes to keep Nitrates down, and generally have changed between 5 and 10 gallons a week so far.

Then I made what I now consider a mistake... on Nov 25th I added 3 torch corals ( dipped for good measure ) to my tank. The next morning, the Brown algae appeared. Only a few spots. Quarter size. Then it began to get larger. I did a 10 gallon water change already.. cleaned the sand and rock best I could. Toothbrush and gravel vacuum. That looked good for a day or so, but the algae came back strong.

The pictures here are what it looks like now. Nov 29th.

I just tested my water . This past hour.

Temp 76.5
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate Between 5 and 10ppm I'm guessing? The colors on the API test kit can be tough to read sometimes.
pH 7.9
Phosphate 0
Salinity 1.024
Alk dKH 9.7

I haven't been running my protein skimmer because I can't seem to get it dialed in. I've just had it turned off...

I've reduced my lighting to 30% 9 hours/day . I'm afraid to reduce it further because of the torches.

So a couple questions if I may..

What can I do to help clear up the algae? Should I be patient? Can I wait this out? Or is there a proactive measure I can take?

Also, what can I do to lower my dKH? My LFS is telling me I should be closer to 8.5 dKH.

Any info is much appreciated. Cheers from Delaware, USA.

-Bill

These are likely diatoms and often associated with new setups that contain new sand and dry rock producing silicates in the water promoting this stuff. While it will diminish in time, Many new aquarists do not like the sight of it and you can sure siphon surfaces to get rid of diatom. Also adding liquid bacteria such as Microbacter 7 or XLM at 1.5ml per 10 gallons daily will help.
To reduce its buildup, you can reduce white light intensity a little or hours of white light daily and add some snails such as: Astrea-Turbo grazer-cerith-nerite- nassarius and trochus.

Are you using RODI water or tap water from the faucet ?
Also - The API kit youre using well known for false readings and often show levels lower than they are. As tank is continuing to seed, occasionally take a water sample to a trusted LFS that does NOT use API kits and see what readings they come up with and to compare with yours.

 

[bhudson]

The diatoms are part of the cycling process, May I ask what kind of light you are running?

It's a ReefLED 50 from Red Sea. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Fish Think Pink]

Hello REEF2REEF !

I'm new to the Saltwater monster but I've enjoyed learning much over the past 3 or 4 months.

I added saltwater and Caribsea Rock/Sand to a Red Sea Peninsula ( 26 gallon ) on Oct 9th. I began a fishless cycle on Oct 10th, and the cycle was complete Nov 11th.

Nov 12th I added 2 small Clownfish. I have paid close attention to water testing and haven't seen a bit of Ammonia or Nitrite since fish were added. I've been good about water changes to keep Nitrates down, and generally have changed between 5 and 10 gallons a week so far.

Then I made what I now consider a mistake... on Nov 25th I added 3 torch corals ( dipped for good measure ) to my tank. The next morning, the Brown algae appeared. Only a few spots. Quarter size. Then it began to get larger. I did a 10 gallon water change already.. cleaned the sand and rock best I could. Toothbrush and gravel vacuum. That looked good for a day or so, but the algae came back strong.

The pictures here are what it looks like now. Nov 29th.

I just tested my water . This past hour.

Temp 76.5
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate Between 5 and 10ppm I'm guessing? The colors on the API test kit can be tough to read sometimes.
pH 7.9
Phosphate 0
Salinity 1.024
Alk dKH 9.7

I haven't been running my protein skimmer because I can't seem to get it dialed in. I've just had it turned off...

I've reduced my lighting to 30% 9 hours/day . I'm afraid to reduce it further because of the torches.

So a couple questions if I may..

What can I do to help clear up the algae? Should I be patient? Can I wait this out? Or is there a proactive measure I can take?

Also, what can I do to lower my dKH? My LFS is telling me I should be closer to 8.5 dKH.

Any info is much appreciated. Cheers from Delaware, USA.

-Bill

Hi Bill and Welcome! Glad you joined. Think it was more you happened to enter ugly phase just as you added torches. I'm jealous that you are close to Pacific East Aquaculture. Last November I was on the Eastern Shore of MD and was able to drop in on them. I took this video:



Have you considered starting your build thread? I found its a great place to document my tank's evolution for myself. I started tank first then joined, so I'm still finding myself going back collecting pictures & updating historically as well as current state. Once you create your first post in your thread and link it to your account, they will give you build badge (look left, under my ID)

This might help you find people local to you in Delaware:

Local Reef Club Discussion

Looking for some locals to share frags and info with? This is the place! Find a local club that meets in your area! If you want to add your club just contact us.

www.reef2reef.com

This is a good reference book type online article I still review:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

This article was sponsored by @MarineDepot at www.marinedepot.com. Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is no...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[bhudson]

These are likely diatoms and often associated with new setups that contain new sand and dry rock producing silicates in the water promoting this stuff. While it will diminish in time, Many new aquarists do not like the sight of it and you can sure siphon surfaces to get rid of diatom. Also adding liquid bacteria such as Microbacter 7 or XLM at 1.5ml per 10 gallons daily will help.
To reduce its buildup, you can reduce white light intensity a little or hours of white light daily and add some snails such as: Astrea-Turbo grazer-cerith-nerite- nassarius and trochus.

Are you using RODI water or tap water from the faucet ?
Also - The API kit youre using well known for false readings and often show levels lower than they are. As tank is continuing to seed, occasionally take a water sample to a trusted LFS that does NOT use API kits and see what readings they come up with and to compare with yours.

Thank you vetteguy.

I am making RODI water here at home.

I have a few Salifert kits and the Alk reading is a Hannah checker. As money allows I will invest in better testing kits, but for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, I was told the API could get me started, and at least through the cycle.

Is there a testing kit for nitrate that you recommend?

I will add liquid bacteria. I have some PNS substrate sauce I can dose into the tank. I will also move on the snail addition. That thought had crossed my mind but your suggestion moves me to add a couple to the tank sooner than later.

Appreciate the information.

 

[SPS2020]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[SPS2020]

Thank you vetteguy.

I am making RODI water here at home.

I have a few Salifert kits and the Alk reading is a Hannah checker. As money allows I will invest in better testing kits, but for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, I was told the API could get me started, and at least through the cycle.

Is there a testing kit for nitrate that you recommend?

I will add liquid bacteria. I have some PNS substrate sauce I can dose into the tank. I will also move on the snail addition. That thought had crossed my mind but your suggestion moves me to add a couple to the tank sooner than later.

Appreciate the information.

Varying opinions on testing kits depending upon what one is testing. For NO3, I like the Hanna High Range Nitrate Checker.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thank you vetteguy.

I am making RODI water here at home.

I have a few Salifert kits and the Alk reading is a Hannah checker. As money allows I will invest in better testing kits, but for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, I was told the API could get me started, and at least through the cycle.

Is there a testing kit for nitrate that you recommend?

I will add liquid bacteria. I have some PNS substrate sauce I can dose into the tank. I will also move on the snail addition. That thought had crossed my mind but your suggestion moves me to add a couple to the tank sooner than later.

Appreciate the information.

Hanna nitrate as well as salifert

 

[bhudson]

Hi Bill and Welcome! Glad you joined. Think it was more you happened to enter ugly phase just as you added torches. I'm jealous that you are close to Pacific East Aquaculture. Last November I was on the Eastern Shore of MD and was able to drop in on them. I took this video:



Have you considered starting your build thread? I found its a great place to document my tank's evolution for myself. I started tank first then joined, so I'm still finding myself going back collecting pictures & updating historically as well as current state. Once you create your first post in your thread and link it to your account, they will give you build badge (look left, under my ID)

This might help you find people local to you in Delaware:

Local Reef Club Discussion

Looking for some locals to share frags and info with? This is the place! Find a local club that meets in your area! If you want to add your club just contact us.

www.reef2reef.com

This is a good reference book type online article I still review:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

This article was sponsored by @MarineDepot at www.marinedepot.com. Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is no...

www.reef2reef.com

Thanks for the information and the links!

I met Dr. Mac for the first time just last weekend. He's a great guy. A wealth of knowledge. That's where I picked up the torches.

I'll look into the build thread. Appreciate that. I'll watch your video here in just a few minutes.

 

[Mschmidt]

welcome! and it looks like you're probably on the right track. my sources have advised you earlier in this thread.

 

[jsker]

It's a ReefLED 50 from Red Sea. Thanks for the reply.

I have found that two much white, red, and green in the spectrum settings grow diatoms. I would suggest looking at your spectrum and make some adjustments. Also once the nutrient at balanced out you should be good.

 

[Reefer Matt]

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world Bill. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[Kristopher Conlin]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!

Your tank is still young and needs time to balance itself out. The ugly sand and algae will fade as long as you keep up on your maintenance.

I'm sure it will look awesome before too long!

 

[tharbin]

Welcome to R2R! Nice tank. It can be difficult at times to tell dinoflagellates from diatoms but yours look like diatoms to me. Reducing your white light can help as can increasing water flow. That said, diatoms are are pretty much normal part of a cycle and they will die off. You can siphon them during a water change but I would not siphon more that about 25% of the sand at a time. Stirring the sand brings fresh sand to the surface and diatoms utilize the silica, so more fresh silica, more fuel for diatoms... Mainly just try to not let it take over the tank by cleaning as needed. Adding PNS, Microbacter 7, XLM or Clean or several other bacteria products can also help.

 

[Sean Clark]

Welcome to the party.

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board!