orange/brown sand?

[aquanaut]

Hi all

30 gal tank, 20 lbs Livew rock, 12 lbs live sand mixed with reg,3 inch sand bed .


OK,tank has cycled and now I have a orangeish/brownish color on the sand not all of it, seems to be under the lights in the front. Its only on the very top layer of sand.Almost looks burnt. any ideas


Temp 80
PH 8.2
SG 35
Sal 1.026 before top off
Ammon 0
Nirites <0.3
Cal. 240

 

[Wooster]

this is very normal and even expected for a tank that has recently finished cycling. what you are seeing are called diatoms. they are currently feeding off of the excess nutrients in your system (not harmful to fish) and they will go away as soon as they devour all of the nutrients.

 

[aquanaut]

Thanks i kinda though that it might be Diatons

 

[RMPD109]

The diatoms are not caused by the same nutrients that most algaes are. They are caused by silicates in the water. Once they are used up the diatoms will disappear.