Rust colored algae/bacteria? (pics)

[Rskillz]

Hey guys, just wondering what this is that is starting to cover my rocks and something that looks sorda like it is forming on the glass of my tank...

In cycle day 10, just wondering if this is normal or what it is?

[boaconchicken]

looks like diatoms. totally normal for a tank that is just beginning to cycle

[Rskillz]

cool, so diatoms are nothing to worry about?

[jnbrex]

I had that cover the glass of my frag tank for no apparent reason, then I blacked out the lights for three days and it literally entirely disappeared and I haven't seen it since.

[Rskillz]

Thanks JN, should I turn the lights off then for the rest or most of the cycle?

Also, check out my thread below and see if you can tell the colors on those tests =/

[sslak]

They should go away as the tank cycles without turning the lights off.

[footballdude2k3]

if the tank is cycling there is no reason to have the lights on, i would suggest keeping them off until you are ready to add something that needs the lighting

[CorkPullerPHL]

Originally Posted by footballdude2k3

if the tank is cycling there is no reason to have the lights on, i would suggest keeping them off until you are ready to add something that needs the lighting

+1

[kev24k]

Originally Posted by footballdude2k3

if the tank is cycling there is no reason to have the lights on, i would suggest keeping them off until you are ready to add something that needs the lighting

There is one reason. To learn how to stabilize your tanks temperature. Of course this depends on the type of lighting you have and other equipment. But it would be a shame if you aren't using a heater and your tank is at 74degrees and you add something, power up your two 400watt mh and the tanks temp jumps to 80+ in a day stressing your addition. Also need to learn how much your tank evaps if you don't have an ato.