New Tank Algae

[Lofus]

Well the tank has been running for almost three weeks and is producing an excellent crop of hair and brown algae. I believe some grren diatoms have started on the glass as well as some lovely patches of slimy black BGA.

My pater parameters are Amonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0, SpG 1.023, Temp 27C, pH 8.2. I used RO/DI water to fill the tank (72 Bowfront).

I'm also running a 10 gal QT with a 5 lb peice of LR to cycle it and there is no algae in it. Parameters are identical to main tank.

The only thing I can think of is that a week ago I put 120 lbs of aragonite (90 lbs sugar sized, 30 lbs 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm) in the main tank. This must be where the organics are coming from.

The skimmer is a berlin classic and for the past week has only been pulling out a white paste. Fines from the sand I guess.

I've done a 5% water change and am planning another tomorrow. I also figured I would add some hermits and snails tomorrow.

From what I have read on the wetwebmedia FAQs I just have to get the nutrients out and it should settle down. Is there anything else I could be doing?

Thanks,

Jim