Brown algae

[Turfguy]

My tank has been up and running for one week and has started developing brown algae on the sand and rock. What should I do?

 

[carey]

Hi. Thats a normal part of a new tank, it's diatoms and will burn themselves out. While you are cycling you don't need to keep any lights on if you are.

 

[Turfguy]

It has turned the rocks brown also. Should I get a cleaner shrimp? Also, when should I start incorporating corals

 

[Gregcoyote]

I'd hold off on the shrimp. Is this to be a reef tank, or a fish tank? Wait until the tank is fully cycled using the basics on this forum, the diatoms will go away as Carey mentioned, then try a test fish or easy to care for coral frag. Do not rush it. It takes awhile for the tank to settle in fully.

 

[Turfguy]

It will have a couple of fish and some corals

 

[scottayy]

Yes, the diatoms are nasty and make your tank looks disgusting. But soon they will just up and disappear.