Sand bed Turing brown

[noahage]

Hey so I am currently cycling my 32gal biocube and I have noticed the sand is turning a darker brown in some places I tested the water and my ph is at 8.0 ammonia at .5ppm nitrite at .5ppm and nitrate at .5ppm is the sand changing cause of algae from the cycle or what else?

 

[Paul31733]

If its brown spotty areas could be diatoms. Should be on rocks too. If it is they are normal and should go away as the tank matures.

 

[Billldg]

It’s being caused by the cycle, I wouldn’t worry about it, it will go away on its own.