Brown algae on rock and sand?

[Steven777]

My tank is 3 weeks old and recently this stuff has shown up. Looks like diatom to me but I could be wrong. Thing is, they are only on the rock and a few appear on sand. Tank is 75gal FOWLR with 4 small fish. No inverts.

 

[flchamp89]

I agree with you looks like diatoms. Great looking tank and scape.

 

[Steven777]

I agree with you looks like diatoms. Great looking tank and scape.

Thank you for the compliment!

Abd how do I get rid of the diatom? Snails?

 

[flchamp89]

Thank you for the compliment!

Abd how do I get rid of the diatom? Snails?

Diatoms will run its course in a new tank. They will probably get worse before better. A CUC is needed when cycled. Like fish you can add a few at a time.

 

[Amboss72]

Yep diatoms! Consumes all the silica and then dies

 

[Steven777]

It's getting worse everyday now. The algae only forms on rock and sand, not a single spot on glass. I got some Astraea snails and a Tiger Conch, but they don't help at all. What else should I do?

 

[Hemmdog]

It's getting worse everyday now. The algae only forms on rock and sand, not a single spot on glass. I got some Astraea snails and a Tiger Conch, but they don't help at all. What else should I do?

Just ride it out until the excess silicate is consumed.

 

[Steven777]

Just ride it out until the excess silicate is consumed.

I dealt with it in Freshwater tanks and used Phosguard to consume silicate, not sure if the same principle applies in SW. But thank you I'll wait until they die.

 

[Steven777]

@Hemmdog But how the heck RODI water has silicate in it?

 

[Hemmdog]

@Hemmdog But how the heck RODI water has silicate in it?

It’s the new sand and rock. Every tank with dry sand and rock goes through this stage.