green algae after 1 week what to do?

[Hendersonracing]

well the levels are starting to look better...
what do youall think?

ph 8.3
ammonia 0
nitrite 1.0
nitrate 10

but now I have alot of green alge growth on everything including the sand is this a normal deal through cycling? or should I leave all the lights off during cycling....ive only turned on the atinics throughout the day??? and left the mh off? thanks

[ChrisPrusha]

Green algae is normal during through the cycle period. I do not believe you need to keep your lights on during the cycle, although the coralline algae on your LR might appreciate some low level light.

[motorslave]

just part of the normal "new tank syndrome" you may see other blooms in the next couple of manths as well. Just part of the process! This is where the patience comes in, just sit on youre hands and let the tank do its thing!! Dont use any addatives and dont make any major changes to anything unless its absolutely needed. Its very important to let the tank establish its own balkance at this point.
Congrats on getting it running!

Robert

[Hendersonracing]

Originally Posted by motorslave

just part of the normal "new tank syndrome" you may see other blooms in the next couple of manths as well. Just part of the process! This is where the patience comes in, just sit on youre hands and let the tank do its thing!! Dont use any addatives and dont make any major changes to anything unless its absolutely needed. Its very important to let the tank establish its own balkance at this point.
Congrats on getting it running!

Robert

thanks alot ok Ill sit back and watch but its hard seeing alot of algae...lol I thought this might be part of the natural process of the tank....Ive been turning my hailides on for about an hour a day and my atinics about 3.....trying to keep the light down some...oh yeah at night I leave my leds on all nigh.....I hope this is ok??I have ordered some ph buffer and a few other chemicals for it...when Is a good time to use them?????they say to make sure the ph stays around 8.3 and try to get the nitrates @ 0? also i ordered some alkalinity & calcium test kits and enhancers????
any recommendations of this point?
Thanks alot Joe

[motorslave]

I really wouldnt add any chemicals, buffers, enhancers or anything. Regular water changes and good cleaning habits will take care of the tank even when it is settled. Adding things to a tank when you have no way to remove them isnt a good thing.
Your LEDs wont hurt anything! Even running you day lights wont hurt. The algae is aeting things from the rock/substrate and maybe generated from the tank finding its balance.
Be patient!!

[Geoff]

do you have a pH monitor? keeping a tank at a pH of 8.3 is nearly impossible. most people shoot for a level of between 7.9-8.1 in the mornings to a level of 8.1-8.3 just before lights out. pH monitors make it much easier to see what is actually going on.

welcom to what is known as the sit on hands stage of setting of a reef tank. you have nothing to do but sit on your hands for 2 months.

G~