Everything is BROWN!!

[duggy]

We just replaced our 24watt cold fluorescent with a 96 watt 50/50. Suddenly, the tank is overtaken with brown algae. It was on the glass (I cleaned it), it is on the rocks, the sand, and the live rock. It is also on the shells of the hermit crabs, and anywhere else that it can be.
I have pics, but they are too big for this forum.

Also, can live rock die?

duggy

 

[SnowManSnow]

sounds like a diatom bloom

if it is diatom don't panic. Make sure your skimmer is skimming good, up your water change to a few times a week, and make sure your circulation is adequate.

It may take 2-3 weeks, but it will die off and you'll be ok.

 

[duggy]

I forgot to mention. This is a year old (at least) tank, well-established. The only new thing is the light.

 

[Anonymous]

I forgot to mention. This is a year old (at least) tank, well-established. The only new thing is the light.

What do you have in the tank? If you only have fish - turn the lights off! Skim like crazy. Use RO/DI water only for water changes and top off.

 

[spaulr]

I'm seeing the same thing in my tank. Can a temperature increase cause the diatoms? Unfortunately, its been hot (ehh warm, but hot and humid for here) in santa barbara lately and my tank has been in the low 80s every day - no chiller. I typically keep it at 78.

 

[Anonymous]

It's probably a reaction to the increased light. This assumes you had high-ish nutrient levels in the tank before, but never had strong enough lighting for them to take off.

I'd step-up all means of nutrient export: water changes, more skimming, blasting rocks, and then a few more water changes. Also consider lessening photoperiod for a week or so.

 

[Anonymous]

How old is the tank?

Could it still be cycling?

If those are not the case I would have to agree with JohnHenry.