Trying to cycle brown stuff is now covering LR

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emricson

Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Joined
Jul 20, 2004
Messages
33
Location
Illinois
I need some help. Im trying to cycle a 29 G tank with 38 lbs of LR. I have two 900 Maxi-Jet PH, and a RemoraC Skimmer. I put the rock in on sunday and have been just testing the water ever since. Now I come home today and there is some brown stuff civering the LR and live sand. What is going on? I tested the Nirtrite and it is 0. I tested the Nritrate and it is 0. Can someone lead me in the right direction. Should this be happening. Help.
 
I think that I possibly might be running my lights too long. I have them on for 8-10 hours a day and then off the rest.
 
Brown algae = diatoms. This is almost standard in any new and cycling tank. It will go away eventually, once you get farther into your cycle. Don't worry. :wink:
 
Most algae will depend primarily on phosphate levels. My cycle started showing brown after about a week. Hermit crabs will keep it from getting out of hand. They wont get it off the glass but will help with the substrate and rock. I use a magnet cleaner for the glass until I can safely add some snails to the mix. As stated above it is natural and will go away as your tank matures
 
RMPD109 said:
Most algae will depend primarily on phosphate levels.
Usually true in most cases but with diatoms, silicates are the culprit not PO4. Also part and parcel with a new tank though and nothing to be concerned about.

Cheers
Steve
 
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