i got a 10 gallon aquarium and set it up, after about 2 weeks it has tons of diatoms and some cyano however no signs of a cycle. I read online that adding bio spira and a cuc could help with the algae, at this point I don't expect a real cycle as I've added a bottle of bio spira. Anyways I ended up adding a emerald crab and clown goby. Not sure if that will do anything or not(probably not). I need suggestions on getting rid of the algae, I'm considering just restarting the tank at this point to avoid issues down the road, thoughts?
No cycle started, tons of brown algae
Dr. Reef
www.drreefsquarantinedfish.com
You need a lot of reading to do. Bacteria in bottle is a joke. There is no way to have instant cycle unless using extremely well established live rock with minimal to no die off in transport.
Add fish to unknown/uncycled tank is inhumane/cruel.
Algae and cyano can both be eliminated by just simply starving them of light.
I hate to sound harsh but you need a lot to read and learn and you didn't mention any of the tank stuff like what kinda rock, water source etc.
There could be some other reasons for all the issues you are facing.
Add fish to unknown/uncycled tank is inhumane/cruel.
Algae and cyano can both be eliminated by just simply starving them of light.
I hate to sound harsh but you need a lot to read and learn and you didn't mention any of the tank stuff like what kinda rock, water source etc.
There could be some other reasons for all the issues you are facing.
The tank is an innovative marine fusion 10. I started it about a month ago with dry rock and dry sand and used shrimp as an ammonia source. Nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia are all at 0 and I test everyday, there is nothing cruel with fish in that situation, not to mention that I have another system I can add them to if something goes wrong. I use rodi water as well. After I got the algae outbreak and no cycle I decided that even though the bio spira does not give an "instant cycle" it could help seed the bacteria in the tank so I added it in. I'm trying to find the source of the algae and so far I haven't found anything, starving it of light won't solve The problem permanently which is what I am trying to do. You're right I was pretty vague in the beginning with details, my bad. However I did not have anything like this in my other tank nor have I seen an algae bloom like this with no visible cycle before that's why I'm asking how to get rid of it or why it could be happening.
Scarybo
Active Member
Source/type of dry rock?
Did you cure dry rock before you added it to tank?
additives?
feeding?
water change schedule?
Also tank is very new. Algae is part of the cycle of tank maturing
I bought it out of a bin at my LFS, not sure what kind to be honest. I didn't cure it even though I should've I just gave it a good rinse down that probably didn't do much. I don't add anything at the moment, I feed a pinch of crushed up freeze dried shrimp everyday. 2 gallon water change every week. I know it's part of the cycle but I haven't had any nutrient changes at unless it all happened during the first 2 weeks when I didn't test so I'm not sure what's up with it. I'll post a picture of it when I can
Scarybo
Active Member
When I say cycle I mean more than the initial build up of bacteria to process ammonia. Your tank is very new and it is going through new tank syndrome(algae, cyano, diatoms). It can also be exacerbated by the dry rock. There may be die off which is adding to the algae since you didnt cure the rock. The best option in my opinion is to not overreact. Give the tank time to mature.Continue the water changes. What is your nutrient export system. Refugium? Skimmer? Have you tested your nitrates and phosphates? What are the levels? Remember the most important word in this hobby is "patience".
Nitrates are 0 and phosphates were 2.0 when I checked the other day which is probably a contributing factor in it. I've just never heard of such a bloom with no chemical changes but I'm sure that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I currently am just running the filter caddy with a sponge, Chemi pure blue, and purigen and some bio media. I've heard bad things about the IM ghost skimmer so I'm trying to find an alternative to it(not sure if you're familiar with innovative marine). I'm sure you're right with the patience, but seeing my tank completely brown is a bit frustrating. I appreciate your input.
Scarybo
Active Member
IMO your issue is nutrients. Nitrates arent really 0. They are being used by the algae. If your phosphates are that high I would think your rock is leaching phosphates. I would recommend a frequent water change schedule. siphon as much of the diatoms/cyano as possible when doing water changes. There is not much else you can do until the rocks finish leaching. That can be a several month process. Curing outside of your tank allows you to do several 100% water changes. That is going to be difficult now because you have tank inhabitants.
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