Brown Spots in My Sand

[texanboy81]

There are now brown spots in my live sand does this mean my cycling is done or is still in progress?

 

[reefpro]

The brown spots (likely diatoms) themselves are not indicators... you really need to test your levels and watch for the spikes in NH4 then NO2 and then NO3.

 

[dmjordan]

i agree that the brown spots have no bearing on wether or not your tank is still cycling or has finished its cycle. the only way to tell if your tank is still cycling or not is to test your water. how did you start your cycle? the brown spots in your sand could be diatoms, detrious (sp?) or it could just be dead spots forming from not having enough flow in your tank.