help

[BlakSuprNova]

Hello, I've had my tank running for about 3 months now and never had a problem yet. I recently added more live rock to my tank and did a 50% water change on it last night. Today when I returned home from work I had a lot of stuff growing on my rock and sand please help. I'm not able to upload pictures for some reason if anyone with a lot of experience can help I can email the pictures intook.

 

[AlSimmons]

Without a picture it's kind of hard to say, but it sounds like it might be some sort of algae. The link below might help.

http://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide

 

[mcgyvr]

I'll guess diatoms (redish brown/brown dust almost)..
Diatoms/algae and even cyanobacteria are all very common for a new tank and usually go away on their own with proper tank maintenance. Might take a few weeks for the problem to subside..

 

[BlakSuprNova]

Yeah I just checked and was able to just sweep it off. Like a dusting. I was planning on doing another 50% water change again in 2 days. Should I do a few more after thay?

 

[mcgyvr]

Its normal.. No need to go crazy on water changes... Unless nitrate levels are elevated..
Sounds like diatoms.. Plenty of images on google for you to match up if you want..

Its consuming the excess silicates in your tank that can come from the sand/rock/glass,etc... Once its eats the excess it will die off as it has no more food source..

Unless something is seriously wrong 50% water changes aren't needed.. 20% is plenty..
Many do 20% every 2 weeks or something like that to maintain proper levels..

 

[BlakSuprNova]

Thank you very much for the help.