brown sand

[jthomas0385]

anybody know why my sand is brown. not the whole sand bed just on one side. It won't go away and it looks bad. Thanks

 

[scopus tang]

Could be diatoms, but a picture if possible would help us know for sure

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[oniel21]

Diatoms maybe. What does your flow look like? May need to increase the flow in that area.

 

[jthomas0385]

I think the flow might be the issue as well now that I think about it. On the right hand side where the sand looks good I have a 850 GPH powerhead, on the other side where the sand is brown I have a 400 GPH powerhead. My tank is 48 long and 18 high, 55 gallons. Should I buy a more powerful powerhead for the other side?

 

[horsemen]

try to get the power heads that sweep place in the middle of tank so it makes a changing current

 

[bigarn]

How long has the tank been up? Sounds like diatoms and if so it will dissapear on it's own if this is a newer set up.

 

[sk8shorty01]

I would say you should just reposition the powerheads you already have, as you probably just have a dead spot. Diatoms are a part of the cycle for a new tank (less than 6 months) so they will eventually go away as long as you maintain your tank and keep up with your water quality.