Brown coverings rocks and sand

[drknudsenx2]

Brown algae? Something else? Advice on what to do? Tank has been running for 6 months, just started lights the past couple of weeks when I added corals. What should I do? Nitrates are 10, temp 78-79, salinity 1.025. Corals and fish doing well.

 

[shwareefer]

Just looks like diatoms. If so it will go away in a month or so as long as you are using RO water for your salt mix. If it's slimy with air bubbles and brown, then it's dinos and an actual problem.

 

[drknudsenx2]

Okay great, thanks! Always RODI water, I’m just surprised I am just now having an ugly phase. Hope it passes by quick!

 

[Qasimja]

if your tank is that old i would think its probably not diatoms i would look out it could be the start of dinos

 

[shwareefer]

if your tank is that old i would think its probably not diatoms i would look out it could be the start of dinos

That was my first thought except he said he just turned his lights on...

 

[Qasimja]

That was my first thought except he said he just turned his lights on...

Yea diatoms dont really need light like other algaes just silicates in the water thats why you mostly see them in newer setups once the silicates burn out you generally dont see them anymore

 

[DeniableArc]

What are your nitrate and phosphates?

 

[drknudsenx2]

I checked nitrates have been stable at 10, I don’t have a phosphate test kit.