Brown algea during first cycle.

[canyon15]

I'm cycling my tank for the first time and aware that BA is normal during this time. What i would like to know is that will it dissipate by itself or will I have to wait for the clean-up is in place? What kind of crew would be good and approx how many do i need?

 

[melosu58]

Lot of online places have size of tanks vs clean up amounts and types. that will give you a good idea.

 

[Phyl]

The diatom stage will pass naturally without assistance as the NO3, PO4 and silicates are burned off. When your levels approach 0 for Ammo & trIte it would be a good time to do a 50% water change if your trAtes are high and then order a clean up crew. My favorite vendor for that is Reeftopia.com.

 

[canyon15]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm am a little hesitant to order from the US due to customs possibly holding the shipment. Duties can be high as well.

 

[robertfah]

The BA could also be due to overfeeding, but if it's your first cycle, then that's not an issue.

Check your LFS, mine sells a kit that can cycle a new tank in 1 week. When I did mine (8 years ago) I had to wait 3 months before putting Damsels in!!

I've just setup my 155g and I have some BA, but it should go away with time. If you find it taking over, then do weekly water changes (about 10%) until it resolves.

 

[Brenden]

I was going to say steve-s may know of some place good to get a cleaning crew in CA but he is on the opposite coast.