driving me crazy...

[salt nate]

ive got this brownish dusting covering my sand and live rock. I turn the sand over like every 2 days to keep it looking good. I think its diatoms? how the heck do you get rid of it?????

 

[nycbob]

is this a new tank? if it is, it is part of the maturation of a tank. more flow and water change will eventually make it go away.

 

[salt nate]

the tank is 10 weeks old. but has been cycled for 7...

 

[nycbob]

Originally Posted by salt nate
http:///forum/post/2795362
the tank is 10 weeks old. but has been cycled for 7...
its still fairly new. part of the cycle.

 

[salt nate]

ok, is it alright to stir the sand to make it look better, or should I leave it alone or what?

 

[kingsmith]

Originally Posted by salt nate
http:///forum/post/2796188
ok, is it alright to stir the sand to make it look better, or should I leave it alone or what?
You want to be careful not to disturb the sand too much it can cause problems, try adding more flow that has worked for me I found the brown algea in a newer tank that has cycled to be a good indicator of dead spots caused by lack of flow.

 

[gatorwpb]

stirring the sand is not that bad if its a shallow sand bed and not deep.
if you have good flow, maybe you need to redirect it. If you need more flow, get some.
but Id wait it out at first and see if time will help. Its just part of having a new tank.

 

[mr.reef]

i know how u feel that is the way that my is and it has been set up for almost over a year.......... Good luck

 

[salt nate]

well if flow is the problem then my whole tank has none, cause the whole bottom's covered.
Yes, its a shallow sand bed... 2-3 inches.
It does seem like there was more flow coming out of the return when I first got the tank, but im not sure. its a brand new pump. the return has a splitter so the water goes in two directions.