Brown dusty algae

[Jamers442]

I have some brown algae along the tops of my rocks (not live) i know its off the lights being left on to long, i was just wanting to know if this could harm my fish and if i can get rid of it? Plus what would you guys recommend how long i leave my lights on for?

[AquaRick]

Is this a new and/or cycling tank? What kind of lights do you have? Are you/will you be keeping corals?

[Jamers442]

Originally Posted by AquaRick

Is this a new and/or cycling tank? What kind of lights do you have? Are you/will you be keeping corals?

Thanks for your reply Rick👍Yeah its a cycling tank its been up and running about a month now, just ordinary tubes that i got with the tank dunno what they are bcoz the writing has worn off, i think they are T28 or summit like that but iam saving at the min for some LED lighting and i might keep corals in the future just need more knowledge first bcoz i know corals are very hard to look after! P.s ive just added a Algae Blenny today and he's getting quite alot of the Algae off already he's great😜

[AquaRick]

The brown algae are diatoms. Every new tank goes through it. They'll go away as they consume the sillicates in your tank.

Is your tank done cycling? What are your water parameters?

As for T8s, they won't grow anything. They're really just for show. I say keep them on during the hours you're around to see the tank, but no more than 12 hours a day etc.

[Jamers442]

Originally Posted by AquaRick

The brown algae are diatoms. Every new tank goes through it. They'll go away as they consume the sillicates in your tank.

Is your tank done cycling? What are your water parameters?

As for T8s, they won't grow anything. They're really just for show. I say keep them on during the hours you're around to see the tank, but no more than 12 hours a day etc.

No probs cheers mate dunno if my tank is finished cycling how can i tell? As for my water parameters they are
Ph- 7.9
ammonia- 0ppm
Nitrite- 0ppm
Nitrate- 0ppm
I know my ph is low but iam trying to get to around 8.2: ) been told they can live at 7.8-7.9 but i dont want to go any lower! Just done a 20% water change about an hour ago aswell.

[AquaRick]

Did you ever see your ammonia and nitrite spike?

As for pH, a stable pH is more important than a high pH. Try keeping your top open and aim your powerheads to the surface to get more agitation on the surface.

[Jamers442]

Originally Posted by AquaRick

Did you ever see your ammonia and nitrite spike?

As for pH, a stable pH is more important than a high pH. Try keeping your top open and aim your powerheads to the surface to get more agitation on the surface.

No never seen that and yeah i do have my power heads pointing to the surface. Thanks alot mate.

[AquaRick]

Originally Posted by Jamers442

No never seen that and yeah i do have my power heads pointing to the surface. Thanks alot mate.

Did you ever add an ammonia source when first cycling? Keep an eye on your parameters and take it slow when adding new fish just in case.

[Jamers442]

Originally Posted by AquaRick

Did you ever add an ammonia source when first cycling? Keep an eye on your parameters and take it slow when adding new fish just in case.

No i never added anything! I hope the spike did happen tho bcoz ive got about £100 worth of fish in there iam worried now lol

[AquaRick]

Originally Posted by Jamers442

No i never added anything! I hope the spike did happen tho bcoz ive got about £100 worth of fish in there iam worried now lol

Uh oh :/

Did you recently add all your new fish? How are your water parameters? Did you use live or base rock at the start of the cycle?

[Jamers442]

Originally Posted by AquaRick

Uh oh :/

Did you recently add all your new fish? How are your water parameters? Did you use live or base rock at the start of the cycle?

I added three green chromis after the first week 2nd week i added two clowns a cleaner shrimp and two small cleaning crabs third week i added a small wimple fish and today about 4-5 weeks later ive added a Algae blenny and a small star fish take a look at my photos to give you the idea plus i check my water this morning and everything was fine p.s i get all my fish from the same place a top local shop whos had the family buisness for over 40years!

[AquaRick]

Originally Posted by Jamers442

I added three green chromis after the first week 2nd week i added two clowns a cleaner shrimp and two small cleaning crabs third week i added a small wimple fish and today about 4-5 weeks later ive added a Algae blenny and a small star fish take a look at my photos to give you the idea plus i check my water this morning and everything was fine p.s i get all my fish from the same place a top local shop whos had the family buisness for over 40years!

Looks like you might have had a fish-in cycle. Odds are you'll be ok. Just take it slow

[Jamers442]

Originally Posted by AquaRick

Looks like you might have had a fish-in cycle. Odds are you'll be ok. Just take it slow

I really hope so Rick fingers crossed eh? Only two more to put in now and them are a regal tang and a turbo snail but i will not be added them until next month and thats the lot lol thanks for ya time mate ps did you check out my tank?

[spoonman]

How big is this tank? If this is the 350L tank then it is about 80 gallons. Not big enough for a tang that size. Some recommend as big as 180 gallons.

[Jamers442]

Originally Posted by spoonman

How big is this tank?

125ltrs i think thats about 30-40 american gallons.

[spoonman]

In my opinion you are already stocked. You have 6 fish already.

[Jamers442]

Originally Posted by spoonman

In my opinion you are already stocked. You have 6 fish already.

Do the three chromis count they are tiny lol

[spoonman]

Check out www.liveaquaria.com . They have an awesome selection of nano fish. They are small fish with little bioload. You may be able to add one or two. I have a cherub or pygmy angel that I love.

[Jamers442]

Originally Posted by spoonman

Check out www.liveaquaria.com . They have an awesome selection of nano fish. They are small fish with little bioload. You may be able to add one or two. I have a cherub or pygmy angel that I love.

Ive been on that site but they dont deliver to England: (

[spoonman]

I meant it to give you an idea of what fish would be appropriate for your tank. Then you can look for them in your local fish store.