Brown growing on substrate??

[jason1985]

I'm trying to fish the brown stuff groing on my substrate and rocks... Even in my protein skimmer you can see this brown stuff starting to grow. Its easy to wipe clean and if I brush my hand over the stand it floats away but always comes back as soon as the actinic lights come on

What could this be???

 

[mfdrookie516]

looks/sounds like diatoms.... is this a relatively young tank? They're pretty much a part of any new tank (<6 months or so)... but not uncommon in established tanks

 

[jason1985]

The tanks been up for a few months now! They came before but not as wide spread! Anyway to control it?

 

[Jason7894561230]

In time they normally burn themselves out. So be paitent and they should clear themselves. Also love the tank!

 

[melosu58]

I agree with diatoms. Are you using tap water?

 

[jason1985]

no tap water here, RO DI water only at 0ppm

 

[RYANLAWRENCE]

yep its diatoms. Diatoms are not "bad" but they are not pretty either. They will eventually go away. Diatoms are actually very interesting creatures. Check them out

http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/68/Diatoms_through_the_microscope.jpg

 

[RYANLAWRENCE]

The form a glass "case" around their body for protection. Kinda pretty if you ask me