Rust Brown Spots....

[MKFMedic]

Hi, I'm an admitted new salt water hobbyist and have set up a new 12 gal reef tank. For the last week, everything has been pretty benign, with no noticeable differences from the first day. But this evening I walk in my office and see brown spots on the back wall and on the sand. I know something is going on, but what? What's next? What should I expect! I'm super excited about the experience and my son was super excited when I pointed out the spots. Of course he asked, "Why?," and I wasn't able to easily answer.

Any simple answers that might help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Kio707]

Ur going through ur cycle. It's called diatoms. Check ur parameters, it'll eventually go away...

 

[MKFMedic]

Kio,

Thanks for the reply. By parameters, do you mean water chemistry.

I checked them today and they were:

Ammonia 0
pH 7.8
Nitrite 0.25
Nitrate 5 ppm

These were an improvement over a couple of days ago. Thanks again!

Mike

 

[Kio707]

Yeah... Wait a couple of days and ur levels should equal out... Ph 8.2-8.4, trites and ammonia- 0ppm, and trates should go down too.. Atleast to 0-5...