Diatom or something else?

[Azitaglio]

Over the past week I've been noticing my Sandbed turning a brownish/blackish on the top layer. I've read that it's just diatoms and it will go away on its own, I was also thinking about taking out the sand and putting in a different type. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

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[Azitaglio]

If it helps I am using a aquaillumination prime hd on 1200k 50%


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[username in use]

Tough to tell. Could be diatoms or Cyano. If it vacuums off like a mat and is reddish it's more likely cyano.

Try pointing a powerhead towards that corner. Should help.

 

[Azitaglio]

Tough to tell. Could be diatoms or Cyano. If it vacuums off like a mat and is reddish it's more likely cyano.

Try pointing a powerhead towards that corner. Should help.

Yes it is like a mat. There is a sheet of it but won't vacuum up, should I scoop it out?


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[username in use]

Sounds like cyano. Usually you would want to vac it out when doing a water change. You can scoop it too.

How old is the tank? Size? Stocking? Specs? Maintenance? Tests?