Algae Bloom

[CHEMCHEF]

I have a new setup running for exactly two weeks
72 bow 80lbs dead rock, 70lbs live rock, 80 lbs live sand, sump, aqua c ev skimmer.
I noticed a considerable algea bloom that started about 3 days ago.
but only on the live rock and sand bed, and a little on the dead rock.
Is this normal, and will it just take longer to affect the dead rock?
How long will it usually b till it goes away?

 

[ReefRookie08]

Are you using RO/DI Water or regular tap water? my tank is fairly new its been up since August 26, I started off with regular tap water and that was a disaster I had a huge algae bloom and about 1 week ago I started using RO/DI water and now all the algae has cleared up except for some hair algae on some of my live rock which is annoying to look at but I think it should go away after a few weeks. How about your light how long is it usually on?

 

[CHEMCHEF]

I use RO/DI
I just did my 1st water test
PH 8.8?
Ammonia 0
Nitrate 20-30 These tests are hard to read
Light on 6 HRS a day

Are you using RO/DI Water or regular tap water? my tank is fairly new its been up since August 26, I started off with regular tap water and that was a disaster I had a huge algae bloom and about 1 week ago I started using RO/DI water and now all the algae has cleared up except for some hair algae on some of my live rock which is annoying to look at but I think it should go away after a few weeks. How about your light how long is it usually on?

 

[mray]

You don't need your lights to be on when you are cycling your tank. Let your tank cycle without light and see what happens.

 

[MikeyZO]

I think an algae outbreak is pretty common during a new tank cycle. Just let the cycle take its course.

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Clean up crew, or not yet?
Sorry patience is not one of my strong points.
I did see 2 med size snails in there a couple of days ago.

 

[MikeyZO]

hitchhikers I take it? I would say that if your amonia is down to 0 and your nitrites arent too high, you could probably get away with a small cleanup crew. I added mine early too and they did a great job and I didnt lose any. Im sure there are people that will chime in and say its murderous to add any living thing to the tank until its fully cycled, but come on, we're talking about a few hermits and snails. Just dont add them if the amonia is spiking an nitrites are on the rise.

 

[KathyC]

You didn't mention your nitrite reading?
The lights should be off, the algae bloom is common & to be expected and IMO, I wouldn't add a CUC until after the cycle is finished.

Keep in mind if this was your first water test, you don't know if the numbers are on their way up or down... Try and be patient if at all possible

 

[CHEMCHEF]

I got this test kit with my aquapod used, it does not have a nitrite test solution(lost) I will get one tomorrow.
I understand about not knowing wich way the levels are going..
I thought i would be able to tell by the ammonia reading, but that was 0. Go figure

You didn't mention your nitrite reading?
The lights should be off, the algae bloom is common & to be expected and IMO, I wouldn't add a CUC until after the cycle is finished.

Keep on mind if this was your first water test, you don't know if the numbers are on their way up or down... Try and be patient if at all possible

 

[KathyC]

I saw from your answer on the bulb colors thread that you'd prefer a simple answer, but I don't do those...lol
In case you want to take a quick peek at this, fast reading..
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/bionitrogencycle/a/aa073199_2.htm

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Thanks Kathy (my wifes name by the way Kathi- The Kathy-Kathi controversy goes on)
Good article. I just like a simple answer to start off with, for me its usualy the catalyst for wanting to learn more. You know, a basic understanding.
So now I will read more about the cycling process, and i willl hold off of CUC until iI do some more testing.
Im really more curious about why the live rock has more algea on it than the dead rock.

I saw from your answer on the bulb colors thread that you'd prefer a simple answer, but I don't do those...lol
In case you want to take a quick peek at this, fast reading..
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/bionitrogencycle/a/aa073199_2.htm

 

[MikeyZO]

might be because there is a certain amount of die off from live rock during a cycle, which creates amonia. If the dead rock is truely dead, there is probably not much of anything to create amonia. Hence the algae will start to grow on the live.

 

[meschaefer]

I think an algae outbreak is pretty common during a new tank cycle. Just let the cycle take its course.

Exactly.

 

[meschaefer]

Sorry patience is not one of my strong points.

Wasn't my strong point either, but in this hobby you either learn patience or end up giving up in the end.

 

[KathyC]

Thanks Kathy (my wifes name by the way Kathi- The Kathy-Kathi controversy goes on)

You left out the 'Kathie' and all the ones starting with 'C'!! lol

Also..your rock could have previously has some algae on it and it is just coming back, but it will grow faster on cured rock than on dead rock..and algae growth is to be expected (to a degree, not talking green furry forest here...lol)

That said, just how 'considerable' is your algae growth? Got a pic?

 

[DrCooper]

Hey Chef, any pictures?

 

[CHEMCHEF]

PICS

Hey Chef, any pictures?

 

[DrCooper]

nice shots, amazing difference in the various pieces

 

[CHEMCHEF]

UPDATE
The light has been off for 2 days now and the algae is definetly starting to subside. I will do another water test otnight and post my results.


I know evryones cycle time is a little different, but is it true that a cycle shoud take between 6 & 8 weeks. Just Curious

 

[nanchil]

UPDATE
is it true that a cycle shoud take between 6 & 8 weeks. Just Curious

Yep, for a full cycle.