Is there an algea "ladder"? - Aquarium Advice

SCFatz · 09-12-2006, 10:11 AM

I've been hearing something here and there and thought I'd key it in....

Some people believe its diatoms then bubble then hair then cyano ect...(just guessing the order)....Something all new tanks go through.A progression of algea propagation it seems, as though getting past one leads to the next until its all experienced (and cured or starved I guess).

Anyone here subscribe to that theory?Or at least heard of it?

**melosu58** · 09-12-2006, 10:40 AM

Not me. I`ve seen cyno start from the beginning. I dont think there is a progression but that is IMO

**BillyZ** · 09-12-2006, 11:29 AM

The only "progression" would be of typical levels in a new SW tank. Each of those algae thrive on different types of elements in the tank. So as a new tanks mature many go through similar stages so the algae show up in similar patterns. But every tank is different so some may see a different order or not see certain algaes at all etc. It's just coincidence and not somthing as "set" as say the Ammonia-Nitrite-Nitrate cycle order of things.

HTH

**Devilishturtles** · 09-12-2006, 01:25 PM

While I've experienced all of these, I don't say I'd follow the theory either. Billy explained it perfectly.

SCFatz · 09-12-2006, 05:32 PM

Thanks all...kinda what I figured.I have it not run into it online so much so as in LFSs...both costomers and the occasional well versed sw employee.At least one employee did believe it was set in stone like the bacteria cycle and she herself was about half way through by her estimation.

I guess if enough new tanks come around the same way a slight sloppy pattern may start to develope.That logic is probably encouraged by the the fact that diatoms show up first in almost every case.

afilter · 09-14-2006, 03:21 PM

Never heard of this. Ideally coralline will be the only algea we see. Most algea is introduced as spores on LR, water (from new fish purchase) or other things we introduce to our systems and then thrive or not based on the conditions in our tanks as BillyZ explained.

In theory if you could set up a sterile system you would never have any algea growth because the spores would not be present.

Just like the might Oak you must first have a seed.

HTH,

09-12-2006, 10:11 AM	#1
SCFatz Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 813	Is there an algea "ladder"? I've been hearing something here and there and thought I'd key it in.... Some people believe its diatoms then bubble then hair then cyano ect...(just guessing the order)....Something all new tanks go through.A progression of algea propagation it seems, as though getting past one leads to the next until its all experienced (and cured or starved I guess). Anyone here subscribe to that theory?Or at least heard of it? __________________ Fatz 90g SW FOWLR 50g tall fw planted at .6wpg 29g fw planted at 1.2 wpg 10g fw planted at 3 wpg cf

09-12-2006, 10:40 AM	#2
melosu58 SW 10 yrs and over Community Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 12,007 Images: 73	Not me. I`ve seen cyno start from the beginning. I dont think there is a progression but that is IMO __________________ View My Tanks Click here to Visit FantasyReef

09-12-2006, 11:29 AM	#3
BillyZ Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Western NY Posts: 3,623 Images: 6	The only "progression" would be of typical levels in a new SW tank. Each of those algae thrive on different types of elements in the tank. So as a new tanks mature many go through similar stages so the algae show up in similar patterns. But every tank is different so some may see a different order or not see certain algaes at all etc. It's just coincidence and not somthing as "set" as say the Ammonia-Nitrite-Nitrate cycle order of things. HTH __________________ Acronyms and Abbreviations

09-12-2006, 01:25 PM	#4
Devilishturtles Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Frederick, Maryland Posts: 7,826 Images: 17	While I've experienced all of these, I don't say I'd follow the theory either. Billy explained it perfectly. __________________ -Lindsay Live in the Western MD/West Virginia/DC Metro Area? Join our very active regional forum Here Like the advice someone just gave you? Add to their reputation! Click on the balance icon underneath their username and let them know.

09-12-2006, 05:32 PM	#5
SCFatz Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 813	Thanks all...kinda what I figured.I have it not run into it online so much so as in LFSs...both costomers and the occasional well versed sw employee.At least one employee did believe it was set in stone like the bacteria cycle and she herself was about half way through by her estimation. I guess if enough new tanks come around the same way a slight sloppy pattern may start to develope.That logic is probably encouraged by the the fact that diatoms show up first in almost every case. __________________ Fatz 90g SW FOWLR 50g tall fw planted at .6wpg 29g fw planted at 1.2 wpg 10g fw planted at 3 wpg cf

09-14-2006, 03:21 PM	#6
afilter Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,290 Images: 19	Never heard of this. Ideally coralline will be the only algea we see. Most algea is introduced as spores on LR, water (from new fish purchase) or other things we introduce to our systems and then thrive or not based on the conditions in our tanks as BillyZ explained. In theory if you could set up a sterile system you would never have any algea growth because the spores would not be present. Just like the might Oak you must first have a seed. HTH, __________________ Aaron Tank: 90 Gal SW Reef in the making See my info for setup and inhabitant details:

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