ARRGGG!!! my sand is what color?? - Aquarium Advice

podman1973 · 09-01-2008, 09:58 PM

hey i was wondering if anyone can tell me why my sand (crushed coral,substrate) i put in my 75gal saltwater is turning brown i have no fish in my tank yet its only been up 3 or 4 weeks i have live rock and live sand (supposedly) in there and all of a sudden it is turning brown???

ccCapt · 09-01-2008, 10:22 PM

Most likely it's diatoms. They are pretty normal for a new tank. They should go away as the tank matures and water quality improves.

**melosu58** · 09-01-2008, 10:26 PM

I agree it`s only diatoms. You`ll be ok in a few weeks.

podman1973 · 09-01-2008, 10:57 PM

good to hear thank you all for you're help

**roka64** · 09-02-2008, 12:49 PM

I agree, diatoms. You may want to rethink the CC mixed with sand. I did the same thing and in about 3 months decided I couldn't stand the CC. I had to take out the CC and used a sifter to sift out the sand from the CC, WITH fish and rock in the tank.

Chisel · 09-02-2008, 03:13 PM

Yes, it's normal. i went through it and freaked out just as you did because I thought the tank was crashing. It happens to most people. Especially new tanks. No worries, it will go away.

James

podman1973 · 09-02-2008, 06:48 PM

thanks guys! hey roka64 what couldnt you stand about the cc sand mix if you dont mind me asking?

**melosu58** · 09-02-2008, 07:16 PM

I`m not Scott but The CC is bigger and heavier and will trap debris and waste and cause higher nitrates. It needs to be cleaned more often while sand can be taken care of by a clean up crew. The sand will eventually work it`s way to the bottom leaving the CC at the top.

podman1973 · 09-02-2008, 10:22 PM

hmm makes sense thanks for the future heaqds up!!

**melosu58** · 09-02-2008, 10:33 PM

No problem. Welcome to AA

09-01-2008, 09:58 PM	#1
podman1973 Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: oklahoma city, ok Posts: 57 Images: 7	ARRGGG!!! my sand is what color?? hey i was wondering if anyone can tell me why my sand (crushed coral,substrate) i put in my 75gal saltwater is turning brown i have no fish in my tank yet its only been up 3 or 4 weeks i have live rock and live sand (supposedly) in there and all of a sudden it is turning brown???

09-01-2008, 10:22 PM	#2
ccCapt SW 10 & Over Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Northeast PA Posts: 1,877 Images: 3	Most likely it's diatoms. They are pretty normal for a new tank. They should go away as the tank matures and water quality improves. __________________ 125g reef See My Tank Info Check out The build project /Larry

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09-01-2008, 10:57 PM	#4
podman1973 Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: oklahoma city, ok Posts: 57 Images: 7	good to hear thank you all for you're help

09-02-2008, 03:13 PM	#6
Chisel Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jersey Posts: 259	Yes, it's normal. i went through it and freaked out just as you did because I thought the tank was crashing. It happens to most people. Especially new tanks. No worries, it will go away. James

09-02-2008, 06:48 PM	#7
podman1973 Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: oklahoma city, ok Posts: 57 Images: 7	thanks guys! hey roka64 what couldnt you stand about the cc sand mix if you dont mind me asking?

09-02-2008, 10:22 PM	#9
podman1973 Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: oklahoma city, ok Posts: 57 Images: 7	hmm makes sense thanks for the future heaqds up!!