Sand settling brown stuff…. Any ideas?

[randyreef93]

Hi all,

I’ve noticed this brown stuff across my tank it settles mostly on the sand, I am thinking brown algae, I do a water change every week, my last one was yesterday and already it looks dirty….. any ideas or suggestions to get rid of it thanks

 

[mues]

I'm assuming this is a new tank?

Appears to be either diatoms or dinos. Both common in new tanks

 

[randyreef93]

It is yes - is there a way of removing them or do you have to wait it out?

 

[mues]

Being new tank, part of the process. I personally didn't touch anything.

If diatoms, reducing lighting periods will help. If dinos, its because you dont have any nutrients yet, typically nitrates and phosphates are zero, can be increased through feeding.

Welcome to the journey!

 

[Tired]

Wait it out, like the rest of the ugly stage. Your tank will sort its balance out eventually if you maintain good nutrient levels (minimum of 5ppm nitrate and 0.03ppm phosphate) and stock an appropriate cleanup crew. No tinkering needed- it'll find its balance.

You should check your nutrients before doing a water change. Don't change the water unless the nutrients actually need to be lowered, or elements like calcium need to be replenished. Too many water changes starve your system of nutrients.

 

[New&no clue]

I agree with those who posted before. It is just part of the process of creating an ecosystem. This will not "fix" the problem, but adding some sand stirring inverts, such as Nassarius snails, is helpful.

 

[Serpentman2024]

In the same stage my friend. Inevitable if this is a new tank. Best to let it run its course.