Brown Spots in Sand and on Rock

[Nate92]

Hello,

My aquarium has been up and running for 3.5 weeks. I added two clownfish and anemone five days ago. Today, I started noticing brown spots in my sand and on my live rock. Are these spots simply a form of algae? Are they something to be concerned about? If just algae, can I simply blast with a turkey baster or perhaps get a goby as my next fish? Thank you!

 

[Geebs19]

Hey Nate, did your tank cycle before adding the fish? The blue lights make it hard to see but it’s most likely the beginning stages of algea and the ugly cycle.

 

[dbl]

Most likely diatoms, which is a natural step. As said above, part of the ugly stage of a new tank.

 

[lion king]

Cerith snails help with cleaning up the diatoms.

 

[Ktran350]

Cerith snails help with cleaning up the diatoms.

Conchs too

 

[Nate92]

Hey Nate, did your tank cycle before adding the fish? The blue lights make it hard to see but it’s most likely the beginning stages of algea and the ugly cycle.

Thanks for your response- I did cycle my tank before adding fish, so that's reassuring to hear it's most likely just algae. Appreciate the info!

 

[Nate92]

Most likely diatoms, which is a natural step. As said above, part of the ugly stage of a new tank.

Got it- really good to know. Thanks a ton for the info!

 

[Nate92]

Cerith snails help with cleaning up the diatoms.

Good to know!! Thank you!

 

[Ktran350]

Also forgot to ask. Where is your nitrate and po4 at?

 

[Nate92]

Also forgot to ask. Where is your nitrate and po4 at?

I haven't checked my nitrates. And what is Po4? Thanks again!

 

[Ktran350]

I haven't checked my nitrates. And what is Po4? Thanks again!

Phosphate. Check your levels. You don’t want either to be at 0. This may cause dino issues in the future as well.

 

[Nate92]

Phosphate. Check your levels. You don’t want either to be at 0. This may cause dino issues in the future as well.

Great thank you!