Refugiums and pods

[ameyaraje99]

I have a 30 gallon tank with a large CPR Aquafuge hob Refugium. I primarily got this to increase the water flow and grow pods in it so that one day I might be able to keep mandarins.
I have a 2" sand bed, chateo algae and some live rock in the Refugium. after 2-3 months now I have hair algae growing in it I also have what looks like some weird brown dust ( def not cyano bacteria). How do I clear this. Is it ok to keep snails? Do I do some water changes in the Refugium.

 

[Rscomia]

Your brown dust is probably diatoms

 

[ameyaraje99]

that's what I thought too. It however looks more like gravy on a plate of mashed potatoes. I'll try posting some pics. Also, I have no diatoms in my main tank. The water is crystal clear. All parameters are perfect.

 

[Rscomia]

Yes would like to see pics

 

[David S]

remember you want all this to grow in the sump/fuge so it keeps your dt clear!!