what is wrong with my live sand!

[elissaxo]

I have had my tank set up for around 3 weeks now and in some spots my live sand has an orangish brown color. It started appearing after I put my crab in there so I don't know if it's from him or not..and just a note I don't know what kind he is. Also, it has gone onto some of my live rock and the castle my clownfish likes to swim around in! what is it!!! help! thanks!

 

[Devilishturtles]

Likely diatoms. Is it like a powdery covering on the surfaces?

Next question is, did you cycle your tank? Diatoms are usually only seen in new, uncycled tanks. If not, please read up on The Nitrogen Cycle asap.

 

[roka64]

Do you have any pics? That would help greatly.

 

[elissaxo]

yes i cycled my tank.. i took a sample to our saltwater store here and they told me it was set to put a fish in and i should start with a clownfish.. i have pictures of it here

http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k256/msgarcia1/?sc=1&multi=2&addtype=local&media=image

 

[FishFrik]

Welcome to AA!!!

Looks like diatom. Im assuming you're cycling your 3 weeks old tank. It is normal for diatom to appear at the end of your cycle. It will die off as your tank mature. No biggy

 

[ianrich147]

id be more worried about the aiptasia they can spread quite quickly

 

[elissaxo]

okk thanks!! =] i guess i'll get rid of them but they're so cute haha

 

[FishFrik]

i guess i'll get rid of them but they're so cute haha

>< Not cute til they kill your corals

 

[roka64]

d be more worried about the aiptasia they can spread quite quickly

I saw those as well. Nice tank! Does that castle have a hollow bottom?

 

[norolo]

aiptasia

how do they kill the corals?

 

[FishFrik]

Their tentacles have some kind of "stuff" (i sound like a noob XD but i don't remember what's it's called) that would irritate/sting/kill corals. They multiply very quickly so they can outnumber any coral

 

[norolo]

THANKS

THANKS FOR THE REPLY
I WILL RID THEM AND I WONT SLEEP TILL I DO
JUSK KIDDING

 

[melosu58]

You might want to get a sand sifting Goby to turn that sand over and make it white again.

 

[demodiki]

Good question about the castle ornament.