Sudden Dark Brown Algae on Sand?

windyridge · 07/01/2011, 05:32 PM

What is this sudden dark brown stuff on our sand/coral mix? The tank is about 3 months old and all the occupants are doing very well and growing. I know some algae growth is normal in a newish tank but this stuff is new and very dark and not slimey. A few days ago I removed several rocks to remove aptasia and glue some frags on...could that have anything to do with it? Should I be concerned?

DSC_0051 by onaridge2000, on Flickr

Sisterlimonpot · 07/01/2011, 05:51 PM

That's diatoms. Its considered part of the maturing process of a new tank. It'll disappear just as soon as it appeared.

No concerns. Once the brown disappears green diatoms will appear.

windyridge · 07/01/2011, 06:09 PM

Thanks!

Sisterlimonpot · 07/01/2011, 06:16 PM

you're welcome

hollister · 07/01/2011, 07:51 PM

Could be a sign of low flow areas and or sunlight reaching these area.

Double checking flow and adding some nass snails would help.

07/01/2011, 05:32 PM	#1
windyridge Fish Mother Join Date: May 2011 Location: South Otselic, NY Posts: 1,403	Sudden Dark Brown Algae on Sand? What is this sudden dark brown stuff on our sand/coral mix? The tank is about 3 months old and all the occupants are doing very well and growing. I know some algae growth is normal in a newish tank but this stuff is new and very dark and not slimey. A few days ago I removed several rocks to remove aptasia and glue some frags on...could that have anything to do with it? Should I be concerned? DSC_0051 by onaridge2000, on Flickr __________________ 92G Mixed reef, SCA-302 skimmer, 15g sump w/fuge & Eheim Compact Plus @650 gph, AI Sol Blue, Koralia 750 &Tunze Nanostream 6025, Apex Jr,Tomini, 6-Line, Brittle star, damsels, Gramma, RBTA/clown, PJ c Current Tank Info: 92G Corner Bowfront Mixed Reef

07/01/2011, 05:51 PM	#2
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	That's diatoms. Its considered part of the maturing process of a new tank. It'll disappear just as soon as it appeared. No concerns. Once the brown disappears green diatoms will appear. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

07/01/2011, 06:09 PM	#3
windyridge Fish Mother Join Date: May 2011 Location: South Otselic, NY Posts: 1,403	Thanks! __________________ 92G Mixed reef, SCA-302 skimmer, 15g sump w/fuge & Eheim Compact Plus @650 gph, AI Sol Blue, Koralia 750 &Tunze Nanostream 6025, Apex Jr,Tomini, 6-Line, Brittle star, damsels, Gramma, RBTA/clown, PJ c Current Tank Info: 92G Corner Bowfront Mixed Reef

07/01/2011, 06:16 PM	#4
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	you're welcome __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

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07/01/2011, 07:51 PM	#5
hollister Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 2,037	Could be a sign of low flow areas and or sunlight reaching these area. Double checking flow and adding some nass snails would help.