The normal course of events will be that the first diatoms will grow considerably, a development which is reduced by the decrease of the silicate concentration of the aquarium water. Soon afterwards blue green algae will grow for a short while before green filamentous algae and perhaps leafy algae of the genus caulerpa take over. If live rock is used and powerful protein skimming device is installed it is sometimes possible to avoid the filamentous algae, which are nuisance, before they star growing after one or two months. We are also satisfied with detritus eating animals like brittle stars or sea cucumbers as pioneers.
Detritus stimulates algae growth and pollutes the aquarium water at the same time.