Brown substance covering LR?

[Guest]

When I came home tonight a couple little pieces of LR that I bought last week that were covered in purple coraline are covered in brown? Is this some sort of algae? My tank has been cycling for about 2 1/2 weeks.

Will the purple come back ?

Thanks

 

[No_Floaters]

If you can brush it off and it swirls away like dust in the water, it's probably diatoms. They'll die off given a little time. It's common in tanks that are newly set up.

 

[Guest]

Should I reduce my light time? I have it set for 5 hours a day during the cycle, however I turn it on when I am home because I don't have corals or anything?

I sure hope it goes away because it is uuugly

 

[No_Floaters]

If it is diatoms, they are feeding on phosphates. I forgot to ask...are you using RO/DI water or at least distilled water? If so, the problem should clear up in a few days. That light schedule is short and OK for now.

 

[roka64]

I agree with No_Floaters, sounds like you are good to go! I would run my lights 8-10 hours once you have some livestock in there. I only run mine for 8hours, lots of folks run 10. I really wouldn't run longer than that.

 

[Devilishturtles]

Diatoms are completely normal in a new, cycling tank. Just be patient and it will go away. It will get worse before it gets better though.