Sand Turning dark brown

[Russian123]

Very recently my sand has been turning a very dark brown in spots only on the top of of my sand. Is this a hint for me to change the sand or is it algae etc.

Thanks

 

[supertech3]

mine turns from white until something on the bottom stirs(moves it) snails

 

[tanker]

Thinks it's algae. You need a clean-up crew to eat it.

 

[iCam]

It's possibly diatoms or cyano forming.

Check your water parameters and see if anything is off. If the tank is newer, it's pretty normal for this to occur. Can you better describe the spots, or post a photo?

 

[smcnally]

You should never have to change your sand in a tank. It sounds like diatoms to me. It's a rust brown color, right? Kind of bright colored? CThe only clean up crew that will help that IMO is nassarius snails and conchs. More flow will help too.

 

[RudeBoy]

smacnally is right... more flow will definitely be your best friend in this case. Depending on the age of your tank, you pretty much just have to let it run it's course. Even with the clean up crew, you will see this bllom for a while if your tank is fairly new. Just my $.02.

 

[Russian123]

 

[Russian123]

 

[DaveAngie79]

yep its the alge cycle starting

 

[Russian123]

What should I get to try and controll this or should I just leave it alone

 

[RudeBoy]

How long has your tank been set up??? That is the key to how long you may see this outbreak. If your tank is fairly new, you're going to have to let it run it's course. If it's been set up for a while and your water parameters are good, then old or bad lighting (bulbs) can also contribute to this outbreak as well.

 

[PatMayo]

Russianpimp123,

thats the deal. Normal algea outbreak. Post your flow, how long the tank has been up, water parameters and do you use RO?DI.

high flow, exporting of nutrients, time and a clean up crew will sovle this. Above all the time will be the biggest contributing factor.

Regards,

Pat

 

[One Eyed Bunny]

I wouldn't worry about it. It sounds more like a part of the algae cycle. You'll get this algae then some hair algae. It's nothing to be alarmed with, but the above cited critters will help cut down on the algae.

 

[Russian123]

K, yeah my tank has only been up for maybe 3 months now with Live Rock, as far as my water paramaters there fine. No livestock inside of the tank except one tiny feather duster like thing on my Live Rock which survived.

 

[Russian123]

oops......... ph 8.4
amonia 0
nitrate 20 ppm (cant seem to get it down)
nitrite 0
and I used Distteled Water from grocery store.
i have 90gph in my 2.5g