brown algea on the crushed corral???

Newbie · 02-21-2008, 05:52 PM

hi everyone
new to the hobby and am having brown algea starting on the crushed coral bottom, it has gotten progresivly worse over the past few days did a 15 percent water change yesterday, is this normal, and what if anything should be done thnks

CMG · 02-21-2008, 06:19 PM

Sounds like a diatom bloom. I am having one now too because I also have a new tank. It happens to all new tanks apparently. Are you using tap water or ro/di water?

In my readings I have found that it thrives on silica which is found in tap water, so it would help not to use tap water. It can be eaten by snails (I have 5 nerite snails working on mine right now). Do a search on the forum for diatoms.

Can you post pics?

reefman420 · 02-21-2008, 06:25 PM

sounds like diatoms,me and a buddy actually did a test on cc,we ground it up and mixed it in rodi,let it sit overnight and tested the water...man was it full of silicate and phosphates

Newbie · 02-21-2008, 07:15 PM

When we do a top up or a water change we use tap water that has been treated with the dechlorinator. We used the same stuff when we first started the tank and havn't any real problems until this. We set the tank up over a month, had a cycle and havn't had any problems with our wet friends. We went through the traditional blooms on the LR but never had the bottom, now seems like we are getting more every day. We have a hermit and 4 snails (turbo???) but the snails never come off the rocks unless they are on the glass. Do we just let it run its course? Will it go away?

CMG · 02-21-2008, 07:43 PM

I couldnt tell you because I am currently in one too, but what I have read is to let it run its course, its just part of having a new system. You can vacum the top of your substrate during water changes. I do this too.

"me and a buddy actually did a test on cc,we ground it up and mixed it in rodi,let it sit overnight and tested the water...man was it full of silicate and phosphates" - What is cc? Crushed Coral? Are you saying the ro/di had silicate or that the cc gave the water silicate?

Newbie · 02-21-2008, 07:48 PM

[quote=CMG;400804] You can vacum the top of your substrate during water changes.

That is what my husband did yesterday but it seemed to get worse overnight and through the day today. I'll let it run for a week provided my readings are staying the same and there is no trouble there. My tank was so pretty without it... still it isn't as bad as some that I've seen. I guess I should be happy about that.
Thanks

framerguy · 02-21-2008, 07:59 PM

First of all, if I didn't say it before...Welcome to RS! If you are using tap water the ONLY way it will work is if you mix it and let it sit for a week..minimum! That means aerated, heated, and dark. Never use fresh tap water even after declorinating, it's just a bad idea. Get an RODI as soon as you can, you will start seeing results immediately. The other alternative is to use distilled water from a grocery store. Using tapwater, it will be difficult to get the diatoms to go away, and they may never go away. Minimize the nutrients introduced through exceesive feeding, poor makeup water, and additives (if any) and you will see improvements.

lcstorc · 02-21-2008, 08:00 PM

Is it like a dusting? Then it is likely diatoms. If it is more red and slimey then it is cyano. Both are being fueled by the tap water.

reefman420 · 02-21-2008, 08:37 PM

yep the tap water is the culprit,and no the crushed coral released phosphates and silica...my rodi comes out 0.

Newbie · 02-21-2008, 08:38 PM

First of all I have to ask what is a RODI?
Yes Lynn, it is like a dusting. It is starting on the bottom section of the glass to. I will see what it is like in the morning and try to take a picture of it if it gets worse.
I was under the impression that it was safe to use tap water as long as you primed the water properly. We've been using "Prime" by seachem??? Not good?

framerguy · 02-21-2008, 08:51 PM

RODI= Reverse Osmosis/ DeIonized water. It's a device in the $150-200 range that will produce the pristine water that is a must for reef aquariums. You CAN use tap water but it really MUST be primed as stated above. Get a large Brute trashcan (or similar container)and fill it with tap water. Put a circulation pump in there to agitate and mix the water. An airstone is not necessary, it will put to much CO2 in the mix. Put a heater in there and set it to match your tank water. Add salt mix in the appropriate amount. Cover the can but leave some ventilation (the electrical wires between the lid and can should be enough) and let it simmer for one week. Then the water can be used without as many quality issues. It won't be perfect but will work til you get your unit. Once you give in and get an RODI unit you will be taking your reefing hobby to the next level. Water quality can't be over emphasized.

framerguy · 02-21-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

I was under the impression that it was safe to use tap water as long as you primed the water properly. We've been using "Prime" by seachem??? Not good?

That only works for fish only and freshwater tanks and even then it's better to use RODI.

Newbie · 02-21-2008, 08:55 PM

Thanks for the info Greg,
I will definately look into the RODI.
I know that space will be an issue for the water tank cause I have 2 young kiddies that may like to play in it if it is found...
I guess I've been lucky up until now with the brown algea, I was waiting for it to bloom about 3 weeks ago. I do have 2 large buckets that we use for the water changes, I will see if I can get another one and use that to store some water.
Scary, I guess it is off to the next level...

ReefGuy69 · 02-21-2008, 09:01 PM

Newbie i really recommened the RO/Di filter. it will keep your tank looking cleaner and nicer. well worth the money

Newbie · 02-21-2008, 09:04 PM

Thanks Dennis, water clarity really hasn't been an issue and still isn't really. We have had several people who have aquariums comment on how they havn't seen a new tank with water as clear as what we have. You would almost think that there was no water in there.
The pics. I have posted will show and it hasn't changed, only gotten better.
I'm going to go to the FS tomorrow and start investigating RODI, any particular brand and/or power that I should be looking for?

02-21-2008, 05:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
Newbie Midas Blenny Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 112 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	brown algea on the crushed corral??? hi everyone new to the hobby and am having brown algea starting on the crushed coral bottom, it has gotten progresivly worse over the past few days did a 15 percent water change yesterday, is this normal, and what if anything should be done thnks __________________ --------------------------------------------------- 55 gallon corner tank, 2 clowns, Blue tang, Christmas wrasse, Blue spotted Hawaiin puffer, Red spotted blennie, Sand sifting Starfish, and 4 snails. --------------------------------------------------- Nikki

02-21-2008, 06:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
CMG Torch coral Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sonoma County, CA Posts: 586 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? Sounds like a diatom bloom. I am having one now too because I also have a new tank. It happens to all new tanks apparently. Are you using tap water or ro/di water? In my readings I have found that it thrives on silica which is found in tap water, so it would help not to use tap water. It can be eaten by snails (I have 5 nerite snails working on mine right now). Do a search on the forum for diatoms. Can you post pics? __________________ My Chronical: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wlr-setup.html 40g, Purple Dartfish (squirley), Banggai Cardinal (Spot), 3 sand sifting snails, 3 nerite snails and a golden banded shrimp (Batman).

02-21-2008, 06:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
reefman420 Elegance coral Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: minneapolis Posts: 1,085 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? sounds like diatoms,me and a buddy actually did a test on cc,we ground it up and mixed it in rodi,let it sit overnight and tested the water...man was it full of silicate and phosphates __________________ 155 oceanic bow front,20 long refuge packed with caluerpa and mangroves,40 gallon sump,175lbs LR,3x250 watt xm 10ks,aqua-c remora,and pro-clear 150 skimmers sailfin tang,kole tang,royal gramma,cinnimon clown,2xpink skunk clowns,six line wrasse,mandarin, 155 bow coral-orange montipora cap,superman monti cap,scripps green polyped staghorn,ORA pink poccilipora,ORA blue millipora,green slimer,yellow UK acro,pink birdsnest,armor of god zoas,various zoas and shrooms,hammer,frogspawn,clove polyps,favite,fancey toadstool,reg toadstool,yellow leather,purple leather,devils hand,2 types xenia,ricordea florida,ricordea yuma,kenya tree,galaxia,bubble coral,button polyps inverts are lots of snails and hermits,crocea clam,maxima clam and seabae anemone,rbta

02-21-2008, 07:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
Newbie Midas Blenny Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 112 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? When we do a top up or a water change we use tap water that has been treated with the dechlorinator. We used the same stuff when we first started the tank and havn't any real problems until this. We set the tank up over a month, had a cycle and havn't had any problems with our wet friends. We went through the traditional blooms on the LR but never had the bottom, now seems like we are getting more every day. We have a hermit and 4 snails (turbo???) but the snails never come off the rocks unless they are on the glass. Do we just let it run its course? Will it go away? __________________ --------------------------------------------------- 55 gallon corner tank, 2 clowns, Blue tang, Christmas wrasse, Blue spotted Hawaiin puffer, Red spotted blennie, Sand sifting Starfish, and 4 snails. --------------------------------------------------- Nikki

02-21-2008, 07:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
CMG Torch coral Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sonoma County, CA Posts: 586 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? I couldnt tell you because I am currently in one too, but what I have read is to let it run its course, its just part of having a new system. You can vacum the top of your substrate during water changes. I do this too. "me and a buddy actually did a test on cc,we ground it up and mixed it in rodi,let it sit overnight and tested the water...man was it full of silicate and phosphates" - What is cc? Crushed Coral? Are you saying the ro/di had silicate or that the cc gave the water silicate? __________________ My Chronical: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wlr-setup.html 40g, Purple Dartfish (squirley), Banggai Cardinal (Spot), 3 sand sifting snails, 3 nerite snails and a golden banded shrimp (Batman).

02-21-2008, 07:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
Newbie Midas Blenny Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 112 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? [quote=CMG;400804] You can vacum the top of your substrate during water changes. That is what my husband did yesterday but it seemed to get worse overnight and through the day today. I'll let it run for a week provided my readings are staying the same and there is no trouble there. My tank was so pretty without it... still it isn't as bad as some that I've seen. I guess I should be happy about that. Thanks __________________ --------------------------------------------------- 55 gallon corner tank, 2 clowns, Blue tang, Christmas wrasse, Blue spotted Hawaiin puffer, Red spotted blennie, Sand sifting Starfish, and 4 snails. --------------------------------------------------- Nikki

02-21-2008, 07:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
framerguy Manta Ray Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mount Airy, Ga Posts: 3,326 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? First of all, if I didn't say it before...Welcome to RS! If you are using tap water the ONLY way it will work is if you mix it and let it sit for a week..minimum! That means aerated, heated, and dark. Never use fresh tap water even after declorinating, it's just a bad idea. Get an RODI as soon as you can, you will start seeing results immediately. The other alternative is to use distilled water from a grocery store. Using tapwater, it will be difficult to get the diatoms to go away, and they may never go away. Minimize the nutrients introduced through exceesive feeding, poor makeup water, and additives (if any) and you will see improvements. __________________ ___________________________________ Greg All time fav quote: "Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."-Guillaume Apollinaire "Being happy can be as easy as deciding to be!"-Greg Kimsey (framerguy) Still Workin' on it! 390gDT built in wall, Gargantuan DIY Beckett Skimmer, 150g sump, Sequence Hammerhead closed loop, 75 gallon seagrass/mineral mud refugium, 55 gallon crushed coral/live rock refugium, 30 gallon DSB/ cheatomorpha refugium, algae turf scrubber, DIY calcium reactor, DIY kalkwasser mixer, DIY light system w/4x 250MH & 4x54w T5, etc, etc, etc... chronicles-akwareum (\___/) This is Bunny. (=O.o=) Copy and paste him into your signature (")__(") to help him gain world domination

02-21-2008, 08:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 18,454 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? Is it like a dusting? Then it is likely diatoms. If it is more red and slimey then it is cyano. Both are being fueled by the tap water. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

02-21-2008, 08:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
reefman420 Elegance coral Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: minneapolis Posts: 1,085 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? yep the tap water is the culprit,and no the crushed coral released phosphates and silica...my rodi comes out 0. __________________ 155 oceanic bow front,20 long refuge packed with caluerpa and mangroves,40 gallon sump,175lbs LR,3x250 watt xm 10ks,aqua-c remora,and pro-clear 150 skimmers sailfin tang,kole tang,royal gramma,cinnimon clown,2xpink skunk clowns,six line wrasse,mandarin, 155 bow coral-orange montipora cap,superman monti cap,scripps green polyped staghorn,ORA pink poccilipora,ORA blue millipora,green slimer,yellow UK acro,pink birdsnest,armor of god zoas,various zoas and shrooms,hammer,frogspawn,clove polyps,favite,fancey toadstool,reg toadstool,yellow leather,purple leather,devils hand,2 types xenia,ricordea florida,ricordea yuma,kenya tree,galaxia,bubble coral,button polyps inverts are lots of snails and hermits,crocea clam,maxima clam and seabae anemone,rbta

02-21-2008, 08:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
Newbie Midas Blenny Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 112 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? First of all I have to ask what is a RODI? Yes Lynn, it is like a dusting. It is starting on the bottom section of the glass to. I will see what it is like in the morning and try to take a picture of it if it gets worse. I was under the impression that it was safe to use tap water as long as you primed the water properly. We've been using "Prime" by seachem??? Not good? __________________ --------------------------------------------------- 55 gallon corner tank, 2 clowns, Blue tang, Christmas wrasse, Blue spotted Hawaiin puffer, Red spotted blennie, Sand sifting Starfish, and 4 snails. --------------------------------------------------- Nikki

02-21-2008, 08:51 PM	#11 (permalink)
framerguy Manta Ray Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mount Airy, Ga Posts: 3,326 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? RODI= Reverse Osmosis/ DeIonized water. It's a device in the $150-200 range that will produce the pristine water that is a must for reef aquariums. You CAN use tap water but it really MUST be primed as stated above. Get a large Brute trashcan (or similar container)and fill it with tap water. Put a circulation pump in there to agitate and mix the water. An airstone is not necessary, it will put to much CO2 in the mix. Put a heater in there and set it to match your tank water. Add salt mix in the appropriate amount. Cover the can but leave some ventilation (the electrical wires between the lid and can should be enough) and let it simmer for one week. Then the water can be used without as many quality issues. It won't be perfect but will work til you get your unit. Once you give in and get an RODI unit you will be taking your reefing hobby to the next level. Water quality can't be over emphasized. __________________ ___________________________________ Greg All time fav quote: "Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."-Guillaume Apollinaire "Being happy can be as easy as deciding to be!"-Greg Kimsey (framerguy) Still Workin' on it! 390gDT built in wall, Gargantuan DIY Beckett Skimmer, 150g sump, Sequence Hammerhead closed loop, 75 gallon seagrass/mineral mud refugium, 55 gallon crushed coral/live rock refugium, 30 gallon DSB/ cheatomorpha refugium, algae turf scrubber, DIY calcium reactor, DIY kalkwasser mixer, DIY light system w/4x 250MH & 4x54w T5, etc, etc, etc... chronicles-akwareum (\___/) This is Bunny. (=O.o=) Copy and paste him into your signature (")__(") to help him gain world domination

02-21-2008, 08:55 PM	#13 (permalink)
Newbie Midas Blenny Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 112 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? Thanks for the info Greg, I will definately look into the RODI. I know that space will be an issue for the water tank cause I have 2 young kiddies that may like to play in it if it is found... I guess I've been lucky up until now with the brown algea, I was waiting for it to bloom about 3 weeks ago. I do have 2 large buckets that we use for the water changes, I will see if I can get another one and use that to store some water. Scary, I guess it is off to the next level... __________________ --------------------------------------------------- 55 gallon corner tank, 2 clowns, Blue tang, Christmas wrasse, Blue spotted Hawaiin puffer, Red spotted blennie, Sand sifting Starfish, and 4 snails. --------------------------------------------------- Nikki

02-21-2008, 09:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
ReefGuy69 Plate Coral Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 746 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? Newbie i really recommened the RO/Di filter. it will keep your tank looking cleaner and nicer. well worth the money __________________ Dennis ________ http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...journal-3.html 55gal AGA w/ built in overflow 15 gal acrylic DIY sump/fuge 75lbs Fiji Live Rock 45lbs of Live Sand 1-1/2inch (1) 96 watt Super Blue Actinic Power Compact (2) 96 Watt 10,000k Power Compacts (2) Ebo Jager 200 watt heaters Seaclone 150 Skimmer (2) Hagen 50's Power Heads for flow (1) Hagen 70 Return Pump DIY ATO system (5 Gal) Mini Aqua Lights for fuge (10k/Actinic03) TLF 150 Phosban Reactor 12X turnover rate 2 Ocellaris Clownfish, 1 Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, 1 Peppermint Shrimp, Neon Green Hairy Mushrooms, Red Zoanthus Polyps.

02-21-2008, 09:04 PM	#15 (permalink)
Newbie Midas Blenny Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 112 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: brown algea on the crushed corral??? Thanks Dennis, water clarity really hasn't been an issue and still isn't really. We have had several people who have aquariums comment on how they havn't seen a new tank with water as clear as what we have. You would almost think that there was no water in there. The pics. I have posted will show and it hasn't changed, only gotten better. I'm going to go to the FS tomorrow and start investigating RODI, any particular brand and/or power that I should be looking for? __________________ --------------------------------------------------- 55 gallon corner tank, 2 clowns, Blue tang, Christmas wrasse, Blue spotted Hawaiin puffer, Red spotted blennie, Sand sifting Starfish, and 4 snails. --------------------------------------------------- Nikki

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