Brown Layer on Livesand

[blazin2k6]

Hey . I just started cycling my 24 gal aquapod about 1 week ago and starting to see some thin brown layer on top of live sand. Is this good or bad ? Thanks if you can help me.

 

[deltablack22]

Hard to say what it is for sure without a better description or pictures... Use the forums "search" feature and look for "cyano bacteria" and "diatom algae". I put my money on one of the two.

 

[blazin2k6]

Here is a photo. It isnt that bad but it is noticeable to me so i was wondering.

 

[perfectdark]

Diatom algea... this may worsen before it gets better but its normal for a new tank. Leave it be and in a few weeks you will see it disapear.

 

[bs21]

definately diatoms nothin to worry about just part of new tank!

 

[blazin2k6]

Thank yall for the feedback. Yes i do think it is diatoms. It is gotten worse but it seems to be staying the same right now but i heard it will eventually go away so i stopped worrying. Thanks

 

[dreamer44]

im going on 6 weeks and I still have it, it almost goes away when the lights are off for a bit, but within 2 to 3 hours of the lights being on, its back, ...when should it go away?
Lori

 

[triga22]

I would give it some more time Dreamer44. It really depends on the tank setup and all that good stuff.

 

[sepulatian]

blazin, it will get a whole lot worse than that! It is perfectly natural. All new tanks get it. Some tanks get it again. It is the worst when the tank is about a month or two old. Don't buy critters that you think will eat it. Most do not like diatom algae and will starve.