Massive Algae Overnight Mid-Cycle

[WhiteCloud]

My tank is about half-way though my Shrimp cycle...Day #11

Ammonia = 0.5ppm
Nitrite = 3ppm
Nitrates = 10 pm

One day the tank is all nice looking, I come home from work...there is Green Algae all over my Base Rock, Gravel, Glass, and even free floating on top of the water!!!

Is this normal??? I am using RO/DI water. The only thing I have added to the tank is the shrimp. I have had my Bak Pak 2R running during the entire cycle. Light are on only 8 hours a day.

Just wondering.....do I need to worry or is this normal. Live rock will be coming in about 2 weeks, and the cleaning crew to follow after the second cycle with the Live Rock.

Thanks!

 

[steve-s]

Nutrient + Light = Algae.

You haven't done anything wrong and in fact it's actually a good sign that things are comming along. For now there's nothing to be concerned about, at least in these beginning stages unless it gets out of control.

Typically once the cycle is done and the fuel sources feeding the alga abate, then it will die off on it's own.

Cheers
Steve