Brown Sandbed

[Illwanted]

I have had this 125 gallon long tank up and running about 8 months. All though it was just cycling and had a few fish in it. After doing a 20 gallon water change, we finally got all the water parameters where they need to be. Install new raideon XR15s, added some corals and now the sandbed is turning brown. Normally when I do a water change, I suck the brown stuff off the top of the sandbed, But I was told to leave it alone 2 weeks ago and it would go away on its own. Just want to make sure this is normal as I am getting ready to do a weekly water change. Thanks

 

[merereef]

This my friend is what we call dinos.. its a real pain to get rid of.. stop doing water changes that will make it worse search for an article on here called are you tired of battling dinos and read it

 

[Illwanted]

I have had this 125 gallon long tank up and running about 8 months. All though it was just cycling and had a few fish in it. After doing a 20 gallon water change, we finally got all the water parameters where they need to be. Install new raideon XR15s, added some corals and now the sandbed is turning brown. Normally when I do a water change, I suck the brown stuff off the top of the sandbed, But I was told to leave it alone 2 weeks ago and it would go away on its own. Just want to make sure this is normal as I am getting ready to do a weekly water change. Thanks

KH - 143.2
Calcium 360
PO - 0
NO - 0
Salinity - 1.025

 

[Qasimja]

that kinda looks like cyano or dinos

 

[PanchoG]

Definitely dinos, do they go away at night?
If yes a UV sterilizer would be the best way to attack them coupled with a full 3 days black out period. If not you have to start siphoning them out and try to elevate your nitrates and phosphates. Dinos thrive in zero nutrients conditions and sand shifter fish may help as well.

 

[merereef]

Definitely dinos, do they go away at night?
If yes a UV sterilizer would be the best way to attack them coupled with a full 3 days black out period. If not you have to start siphoning them out and try to elevate your nitrates and phosphates. Dinos thrive in zero nutrients conditions and sand shifter fish may help as well.

This is very good advice

 

[Illwanted]

I will have to look at the tank to see if they go away. The tank is located in my office at work, but will definitely check it out. How would I elevate nitrates and phosphates? This is my first salt water tank and have and will attempt to do everything I can to make it successful.

 

[PanchoG]

I will have to look at the tank to see if they go away. The tank is located in my office at work, but will definitely check it out. How would I elevate nitrates and phosphates? This is my first salt water tank and have and will attempt to do everything I can to make it successful.

New tanks usually run very low in nutrients, it is normal to face dinos in the beginning. I had them on 2 of my 3 tanks, they can be tough but it is not the end of the world, try to enjoy the hobby, we are all here to learn. I hope your dinos do go away at night so the UVC would kill them. To elevate your nitrates and phosphates you can extra feed or turn off your skimmer 2 days a week IMO. There is a very good thread here.https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/dinoflagellates-–-are-you-tired-of-battling-altogether.293318/