Pink coating on the sand

[Jibbyboo]

Hi all,

I'm new to saltwater tanks, have had mine set up for a fortnight/ three weeks.

I introduced some live rock 4 days ago, and it's been fascinating to see what emerges. But also nerve-inducing because I worry that some of the things are harmful. One of the things that I'm most perplexed by is a funny sort of pink coating on the sand, a bit like cotton wool.

I can't upload a photo at the moment (this forum needs to become mobile friendly! ) but will try a little later.

Thanks in advance!

 

[downbeach]

Google cyanobacteria in a marine aquarium.

 

[Chevelle5434]

sounds like you may have a cyano bacteria issue. Stronger flow and better husbandry will help. Could just be the new tank cycling, maybe let it run its course.

 

[Jibbyboo]

Thanks guys I'll look it up. My aquarium advisor chap said whilst the tank was cycling I wouldn't necessarily need a power head, that the filter might be sufficient alone. Perhaps I need to invest sooner than I anticipated.

 

[Jibbyboo]

 

[Jibbyboo]

 

[Joke]

How long has your tank been running

 

[Jibbyboo]

The whole thing has been set up for nearly 3 weeks (on Sunday) and I introduced live rock on Sunday just gone.

 

[Joke]

Just wait a few more days, cyano is somthing that can happen when cycling. But u will need some more water movement in your tank eventually so might as well buy one.

 

[Jibbyboo]

Thanks Joke, I'll keep an eye on it. Would you expect it to eventually fade away if the tank is still cycling?

 

[Xxero]

It's a flow issue, and until the issue is corrected it will not go away. The pink/red is the waste product of the bacteria, and it needs water movement to be kept in the water column. I would add a powerhead or wave maker a.s.a.p.....Your Live Rock will benefit from the increased flow as well. :bigeyes:

 

[Jibbyboo]

Thanks for your help Xxero

 

[srope]

In your spare time read. If your sleeping wake up and read. Screw work read. Hope this helps. Best of luck to you..

 

[Jibbyboo]

Haha I'm already doing that srope! Too much of the week has been spent on aquarium rather than work

 

[gone fishin]

What size tank are you running? More than likely new tank and flow issue with the Cyano. In the coming months you will more than likely get many types of algae coming and going. Good luck.

 

[Jibbyboo]

Hi gone fishin, it's a 65ltr tank, converted from a tropical aquarium. Had a brief chat with my expert supplier today and he thinks it might be to do with my 6500k bulbs, where i should be using 14-16000k.

 

[gone fishin]

The 6500K lighting is prime algae growing light. When I first set up my refugium tank one of the bulbs is 6500K. I had a massive cyano outbreak until my macroalgae got established.

 

[stingeragent]

Either way on a new setup, cyano is normal. I'd get you some powerheads running irregardless of the cyano.

 

[jeeperrs]

Minimize your warm colors like red and green, increase your blue colors. If you run a refugium, do warm colors like 6,500 to grow your macro algae. That will help minimize your issues. Lastly, your sand will never be perfect white. So, don't chase that as your "issue". You may create bigger issues. :fun2:

 

[Jibbyboo]

I switched my white 15w bulb (I had one 30w (the 6500k) and one 15w) for a moon blue last night, so that should maybe help. Does anyone know an online supplier who can provide a reasonably priced powerhead in the uk? I want to make sure it's reliable rather than a cheap knockoff.