Brown Algae

G

gomavs

My tank finished its cycle about a week ago, and ever since the brown algea keeps on spreading. Is there a good way to get rid of all this brown algea?
 
It sounds like a "typical" cyno outbreak. On the sandbed...some rocks? It has a tendency of forming in low flow areas. Also, your tank will go thru it's normal algea stages until it settles out. Watch your nutrients and inc. your flow. That should help. Oh, if you got a pic, that will be good to as to confirm cyno.
 
As far as flow goes, I have a single mag-18 pump with 2 return jets. One jet in each corner of the tank. Right now they are kind of aimed to cross in the center area of the tank. Both are aimed about 2/3 the way up from the bottom of the tank.

I can't take a picture of the brown algea, because I wiped it all off the glass, and cleaned the sand today. When it comes back I can take a picture of it.

I am not sure how to check the nutrients in the water. I currently test for ammonia, Ph, Nitrites, and nitrates. I don't have a fuge set up yet, but am currently working on that. Hopefully this week I will have a little bit of macro algea.

What are the other recommended tests that should be done on the tank.
 
Hm... How often do you do your water changes? My algae problem is finally under control only with the help of increased skimmer power and frequent water changes once the algae starts taking a foothold again. What size tank and inhabitants? Sometimes having a sump can greatly help your problems since it moves water around a lot more, and by having Cheato in there most of the nutrients the brown algae is getting will be consumed by the Cheato.
 
I have only done a single water change so far. I do have a sump, but not a refuge. I am working on the refuge at the moment. What types of macro algeas are recommended? I know the cheato should go in, and I have arranged to pick some up. Not sure what else should be in there.
 
Cheato is the 'safest' choice for a refugium. The other fast growing species commonly used is caulerpa sp. It has a tendency to 'go sexual' and release toxins, though.
 
Sounds like diatoms to me.....

Just be paitent and invest in a powerhead or two. Your returns will not generate enough flow to move water in all the places that it needs to.

Sometimes it takes weeks or months to go through the algae cycle...
 
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