Are these Diatoms??

[TimmaB]

I am in the 2nd week of cycling a new 24gallon SW tank and these have popped up all over the rocks and sand within the last 2 days. Are they diatoms? they are rust colored and have small pieces sticking out of them. I can try and get better pictures if needed, also should I just let the tank continue to cycle and leave them alone?

 

[54seaweed]

try shutting off the blues when taking pict
so you can get a better pict
but most likely yes

 

[TimmaB]

that makes sense
here you go, should I just leave them be?

 

[Frankie_Garcia]

They will go away by themselves once the cycle is over! I have heard don't so a water change while this process is going on. Let the tank accumulate the nutrients and bacteria to mature