How much brown algae is to much?

Studawg · #1 04-10-2005, 10:41 PM

I know in a new tank that there will be some algea growth, but when should i start to take action against it, I am trying really hard right now to just live with it, my tank is about 4 weeks old and has live rock in it and nothing else. plus could anyone hook me up with some good pictures of drian tubes from plumbed tank. I am pretty new to this reef tank game so any help would be great.

marie · #2 04-11-2005, 01:46 AM

algae is not something you need to live with, it's just a normal part of cycling. You could be doing water changes to bring nitrates down, run some carbon in a good flow area and start thinking of getting a clean up crew, snails, hermit crabs, ect.

Aquattro · #3 04-11-2005, 02:01 AM

Welcome to the board! First, probably a good time to add snails and hermits (if you're adding hermits). The snails will help with the initial algae. Are you using tap water? Might want to use RO, if you aen't already.
I found that my tank didn't really get much algae, as I added snails as soon as nitrites vanished (about 2 weeks). I get a fim of green algae on the glass daily, but a magnet and the snails clear that up quickly.

I do about 15% water change weekly and change the 3/4 cup of carbon at that time.
I also have 6 fish, 6 or 8 corals and no algae to really distract me from enjoying the tank.

Are you running a skimmer? What size is the tank? What kind of substrate are you using?

Studawg · #4 04-11-2005, 07:24 PM

It is okay to add the clean up crew already? I have a 90 gallon with about a 10 gallon sump, a rubbermaid for now. Yes i am running a skimmer and it seems to be working, the browny gross sludge in the collection cup is a good indicator i take it. As for substrate I have an inch and a half give or take some in parts. i plan to add more liverock in a week or so, should i wait on the invertabrates?

Aquattro · #5 04-11-2005, 07:45 PM

If your ammonia and nitrite is gone, add the clean up crew now.

Studawg · #6 04-11-2005, 08:13 PM

thanks for the help!
Josh

OCDP · #7 05-13-2005, 07:27 PM

He mentioned he is adding more Live Rock next week though... which may cause another mini spike?? Inverts being so sensitive and all, I personally would wait .... that's just me though.