Mass Algae

[Ken_Allen]

I've had a massive amount of algae start growing on the top of my rocks and sand. It's brownish on the sand, and dark brown on the rocks. I have two hermit crabs but they don't clean it enough. What should I get for a cheap/effective fix?

 

[sed03f]

you have freshwater hermit crabs living in a tank?

 

[Sploke]

This is the marine forum...they are probably sw hermit crabs.

What are your nitrate levels? What kind of turnover do you have in your tank, what are you using for filtration? Are you using a skimmer?

 

[egkid]

How long has the tank been setup?

 

[Ken_Allen]

How long has the tank been setup?

about 2 1/2 weeks.

 

[Catpicklesdog]

In that case, it sounds like it could be diatoms, which is normal during/after cycling. Any chance of a photo just to clarify?

 

[Ken_Allen]

In that case, it sounds like it could be diatoms, which is normal during/after cycling. Any chance of a photo just to clarify?

Sounds like that I looked it up. So should I be fine? It looks like the sand actually took color, not like anything is growing on it. The rock changed from a white to a greenish brown.

 

[Catpicklesdog]

It'll go with time and especially once you get your clean up crew in there

 

[lukemeister]

I've had luck using phosphate sponge in my canister filter, seemed to knock out nuisance algae over time

 

[Ken_Allen]

I tested nitrates and they're very low, if any. I added a clown in there with 2 chromis because the nitrates were fine. The chromis appear VERY healthy.

I'll need more hermits & snails though to clean the tank, Have to go get some more tomorrow.