What is this ?

[Mrs.Holley]

This rock was white when I bought it and over the past week has turned brown. Should I be worried ? Is this harmful ? How do I get rid of it ?



I'm also noticing the sand has a brown tint to it

 

[jwh0818]

Its just algae. Try leaving your light on for only 6 to 8 hours a day

 

[Autumnsky]

Diatoms You can scrub it off with a new cheapy toothbrush. or get a Nerite snail.

 

[Mebbid]

Yup, they are diatoms. They are a self limiting algae that will go away after the excess silicates are used up.

 

[Mrs_monkey]

+1 for the nerite snails, once had the same problem with white rocks. hope this pic helps explain

 

[Mrs_monkey]

mmm pic sideways oh well

 

[molliwopp]

mmm pic sideways oh well

Yeah its annoying uploading pics from phones when it does that, cant be helped though just depends on the way you hold the phone. Can see it clearly though. Nice looking snails actually.

 

[Mrs.Holley]

Thanx guys !! So just do nothing ? Or get a snail?

 

[Mebbid]

Thanx guys !! So just do nothing ? Or get a snail?

You could do either I would only buy a snail if you want one though. They wont eat all the diatoms but they will help.

 

[Mrs_monkey]

up to you really it will go as fast as it came, keep up your water changes and scrub your rocks in the outgoing tank water if you want to but it will be back the next day until it's run it's course (3-4 wks for me if I remember) snails are awesome though and seeing their 'munch' trails is kinda fun

 

[Mrs.Holley]

up to you really it will go as fast as it came, keep up your water changes and scrub your rocks in the outgoing tank water if you want to but it will be back the next day until it's run it's course (3-4 wks for me if I remember) snails are awesome though and seeing their 'munch' trails is kinda fun

Thanks so much