Diatoms in my new 180

[esmithiii]

I am out of town and my wife described to me what seems to be diatoms in my new 180. I have 2x400W 6500K and 2x96W PC Actinics, a large skimmer from MyReef (which is skimming like mad) 1809 lbs of LR added a week ago tomorrow, 4-6" DSB using southdown sand. The lights are on a 10 hour cycle, with the MH comming on for only 8.

I used RO/DI water along w/ some water from an existing tank, which is topped off w/ RO/DI.

Questions:

Should I have my wife suction out the algae? Should I add anything to eat the algae yet? How long till this bloom subsides?

Also, there are 2 small damsels in the tank, and they have been in there for three weeks.

Thanks,

Ernie

 

[Emperator]

Its all part of the natural cycling period of the tank. Let your tank go through the cycle, anywhere from 1-3months and you should be free and clear of diatoms. Just make sure you don't add many nutrients into your tank.

Err, 1809lbs of LR? I hope that is a typo. hehe

 

[esmithiii]

Thanks. So your advice is do nothing and wait? Should I cut back the photo period? Yeah, it was a typo.
E

 

[humu]

I got a young 180 also and there is nothing you can do but get the best skimmer out there, and have a deep sandbed to quicken the process. you can buy lots of snails to keep the diatoms down, but they will be there for the first 2-5 months.
you can also add lots of caulerpa to fight for nutrients, and alfter the diatoms slow down then you can add tangs.

 

[esmithiii]

180 lbs, sorry. I got home and it does not look like diatoms; there is a emerald green film over everything. I scrubbed it off and my skimmer is in high gear. I plan on doing a small water change tomorrow or Sunday. As soon as the water tests ok I plan on adding about 100 snails.

Ernie

 

[danmhippo]

Since you do not have any light craving organism in your tank as of yet, I would suggest cut back on the lighting to about 4-6 hrs. Coralline do not require long photo period. In fact, they seems to grow well in shaded area. Reduced photo period should help you get the problem algae under control.

 

[danmhippo]

BTW, I second the suggestion to add lots of caulerpa, razor or grape. Excellent method of nutrient export.