Brown Coating on live rock and everything 55 gallon

[ncmichelle]

I have started up a 55 gallon tank. In it's probaly 3 1/2 week cycle close to 4 weeks. Came home from work today and found a light brown coating on everything decorations and live rock. What is this? Is this part of the cycle? Ammonia just recently dropped to nothing and the other going up now.
Thanks
Michelle

 

[alyssia]

Sounds like diatoms. This is normal and new tanks and will subside.

 

[gtiguy]

also could be from lights, although 3 weeks is early and sounds like a new tank syndrome (diatoms) but if you are using old bulbs this will promote that as well....

 

[hot883]

Along with the above causes add poor circulation in water movement.

 

[anonome]

Welcome to the boards! :jumping: The brown film is probably nothing to worry about, I know that when I first started I had a pristine tank and then boom! brown everywhere! :scared: Give it more time, and this should all pass, a normal phase of breaking in tanks. Good Luck!!