Recent brown algae or diatom outbreak

[Chris Robinson]

Hey all, I've had my Evo nano tank setup for 7 months, been doing awesome, but in the past few weeks I've has a breakout of brown algae or diatom, not sure which. It grows quickly on the sand and glass, can anyone help in how to get rid of it? It seems stringy and thick on the sand. I have stayed consistent with parms and weekly wc. I dont know what to do See pics..

 

[Big G]

New tank stuff. Been there done that. Do you have a CUC in there to turn the sand and consume some of the algae/diatoms?

 

[Chris Robinson]

2 hermit crabs and 2 astrea snails but the snails mostly stick to the glass. I agree that it's a new tank symptom but this just started within the last couple weeks. My tank has had white sand for many months then boom! My nitrates are a bit high at 30.

 

[AngryMike2016]

I would start with doing a 25% water change several times, each time two to three days apart. That will bring the nitrates down slowly enough to not shock anything, and at least get a handle on that part.

 

[Big G]

Keep an eye on those hermit crabs. The darn things are little terrorists that can kill your snails. Best CUC? Take a long look at Cerith snails. I buy them by the 100 from Reefcleaners.org They clean the glass and the sand, mostly at night.

 

[MTBake]

I agree with Big G on the cerith snails. Very helpful snails to have. Mine lay eggs on the glass quite often I also order mine from reefcleaners.org. I get the regulars and some mini cerith for good measure. They'll help stir that sand bed for you.

 

[Chris Robinson]

Thanks guys I just ordered a CUC from reefcleaners.org. I will add them when I get here and also do additional water changes. I am using store bought rodi and saltwater since I don't have a rodi unit yet. My water should be good, just don't know why I got this nitrate Spike and algae issue. To try to combat this I recently replaced my filtration too, removed the built in Evo filter sponge and replaced it with InTank media baskets, with floss, chemipure pure elite (for phosphate reduction), carbon and gfo. Only one water change since then, so maybe it will take some time? Also considering growing chaeto in chamber 2...

 

[AngryMike2016]

I wouldn't trust store bought RODI. Installing your own unit at home should definitely be your next aquaria related purchase. It's a little pricey at ~$250, but BRS has a nice 5 stage unit that comes with a pressure gauge and TDS meter.