Slight Algae Issue

[tlef316]

Last week, i filled my tank. Its a 75 gallon with a sand substrate. No real plants, just a bunch of plastic ones, some rocks and 3 pieces of mopani wood. No fish yet. I started my fishless cycle on saturday. However, starting around sunday, i started noticing what appears to be hair algae growing off a few of the plants. As of now, its a just a few strands (about 2 inches long) and 1 slightly larger clump that grew between a piece of wood and a plant. What should i do?

I think the problem might be that im leaving the lights on too long. About how long should they be on during the day? Ive just got a very basic bulb that came with the tank. The tank is in a large room with a skylight, but the ceilings are very high, so i dont think the tank gets a ton of direct sun.

Is this just a result of it being a new tank, or will the problem get worse with fish? Thanks alot for any help. I dont want this tank to go to hell before i even stock it.

 

[rdd1952]

During the fishless cycle, I wouldn't even turn the lights on. There aren't any plants that need them and they don't really benefit the cycling process so all they do is burn power. If you can remove the algae by hand, that is the simplest way to get rid of it. Oncce you turn the lights off, it may clear up anyway. Oddly enough, flourescent tubes aren't really good for plants as they don't produce the needed wattage for the most part but they can sure grow some alage if left on to long.

Hair algae isn't generally associated with new tanks so the light may be the issue. Only time will tell if it is going to be a long term problem and if it is related to the sky light. It really doesn't take a lot of direct sunlight to cause problems.