Brown spots forming....

[m3ntal]

I've been cycling my tank for 4 weeks now and yesterday I noticed brown spots growing on the sand bed where it meets the glass....

What are these?

Thanks!

 

[kraze3]

sounds like algae, you could cut back on lighting while you cycle to reduce it its natural though

 

[TekCat]

Most likely you're getting into diatom phase... it is normal/natural part of cycling, it'll get worse and then disappears. Then green hair algae, followed by cyano.
No worries, just sit tight and be patient. Water changes, less light, skimming/filtering, and try not overfeed whatever you'll have in your tank.

hth

 

[m3ntal]

thanks for the replies...my nitrite is finally starting to lower...i think i'm at about 2.0 ppm now... it was maxed out for 3 weeks...