What exactly is this stuff?

[caitreich]

I am heading into the 3rd week of cycling. Values today are now pH 7.8, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 0, temp 80.6, salinity 1.025-6. On the 21st KH 9, Mg 1290, Ca 400, phosphate 0. My question is what exactly is growing on my rocks and will it harm some snails? I have not bought any snails yet, I just want to be sure that I won't kill anything (veterinarian here, so husbandry is important to me and I want to do the right thing).

Attached are the pictures I took.

Thanks for any info/help! Much appreciated.

 

[Potatohead]

Do they kind of wipe off into dust, or is it slimy?

 

[caitreich]

it doesn't appear to be slimy. It appears to become particles/small pieces if I try to blow it off. (water appears cloudy after doing so)

 

[BeanMachine]

Its normal for a new tank... and that rock looks brand new. Just continue to do water changes and let it work itself out. Its not going to harm your clean up crew. That looks like a diatom bloom, not cyanobacteria. HTH

 

[caitreich]

^^ thank you!!

 

[Potatohead]

If it's dusty, it's diatoms. Totally normal and will go away in a few weeks on its own.

 

[caitreich]

thank you!

 

[gone fishin]

I would say diatoms as well, they should pass as others have mentioned. This is just the beginning you will more than likely see some cyano and green hair algae as well. Good luck just my 2 cents.

 

[caitreich]

thank you!

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Just be prepared that your tank is going to go through the "ugglies" stage for about the first 6-9 months. You're going to see a lot of bad and ugly before it settles down as it matures. Don't fret over it as you really can't do anything to stop it from happening with the exception of keeping good steady water parameters. Also keeping up with your WC's weekly or every two weeks will help.

Good luck and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Also read the sticky with the arrow. There is everything you need to know in there.

 

[caitreich]

Thank you!