So the tank is cycled! With that great joy comes one that’s not so great; a huge outbreak of brown algae. Brown algae is usually caused by a high amount of nitrates. Since the final step of the cycle is the nitrate spike, that is a great sign.
My solution is going to be a water change and the addition of a clean up crew. The cycle being finished and a water change will bring down the nitrates and the CUC will have a large feast and a great time taking care of getting rid of the rest.
I’ve attached a photo of one of the worst spots in the tank with the algae on the sand bed. I knew it was coming, but it makes me sad to not see the 100% white sand.
My First Saltwater Tank 