Brown Algae in the sand?

[Cambren Sievert]

Hey guys so I have a 30 gallon reef that I am running with a hob filter and skimmer that actually performs quite well. I also just installed a hob refugium and got my Chaeto in the mail literally 5 minutes ago lol! My Nitrates have always been higher than I want (about 40 ppm). But I’m hoping the Chaeto will help and I also just purchased an Rodi unit so hopefully that makes a difference. But I have recently within the past 2 or 3 weeks have been seeing some brown algae of some sort in the sand that I never had before. I used to have a diamond watchmen goby but he sadly jumped out even with my tanks canopy so he was always picking up sand and moving it so maybe that’s why it is only now taking hold. Please let me know if you know what it is, what causes it, and if it’s harmful thank you!!!

 

[KJ]

Diatoms are just a natural things that happens in a new aquarium and will normally will subside with in a few weeks to a couple months.

 

[Adventures In Reefing]

Just Diatoms they will go away on their own. Just means you are going through a cycle.