Red dust on sand?

JPUA · Jan 22, 2013

I have been noticing red dust like substance on my sand lately. I tested my tank yesterday and all paramaters were great, phosphate and nitrate both at zero... anyone know what this could be and how to fix it?

ReeferBob · Jan 23, 2013

Pics would help but most likely Cyano. Normal part of a tank getting established. It should go away on its own but will get worse before it gets better. You could totally cover your tank with NO LIGHT AT ALL for 3 days and that may clear it up.

Description, Causes and Cures for Red Slime Algae (Cyanobacteria)

Downbeach · Jan 23, 2013

Could be diatoms.

http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/algaecontrol/a/aa091100.htm

What did you use for substrate? Are you using RO/DI water?

bairdimusprime · Jan 23, 2013

I had a live rock chunk that would leak an orangey reddish sand as well, it looked like metal deposits. Turned out to be works boring tunnels in the rock.

dsmhero · Jan 23, 2013

Most likely diatoms.

gmoney243 · Jan 23, 2013

It could also be gfo dust if ur tumble is to high and theres no filter pads to catch the dust

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Eggs · Jan 23, 2013

gmoney243 said:
It could also be gfo dust if ur tumble is to high and theres no filter pads to catch the dust

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I just went through this a couple of months ago; the dust was also on the rocks. In my case, I was using GFO at the end of a container and I believe there was excess fine material at the bottom of the container.