sand turned brown

[firefightered]

I have a new 30 gal with T-5 lighting. I believe this means my tank is just about completed with the cycleing thing. I have 2 false Percs and a clean up crew. Will my sand turn snow white again or is there somthing I need to do? And what kind of colorfull corals can I have with T-5 lighting and when can I put them in.

 

[aquatica-tech]

Well for the brown stuff its diatom and for that its just a stage for your tank, but I always hear is that you might want to cut back on the light a bit

 

[reefmate75]

diatoms, time to drop some money!!! its time for a clean up crew! they sell some good reef packs here, and if you dont like whats in them just build your own, will cost alittle more but its still way better then buing from your LFS =) where each hermitt is 2 bucks hahaha, hermitts ship very well so i wouldnt worry about dead due to shipping

 

[spanko]

Diatoms are a normal part of cycling. They will go away on their own providing you keep your water parameter and husbandry in good shape. You already have a clean up crew so that will help with the diatoms. Not to worry you are right on track. Don't overfeed as it will fuel the diatoms and other unwanted visitors

 

[firefightered]

Right now I only have a small crew.
2 Blue leg hermits
2 Turbo snails
2 pepermint shrimp
1 porcelin crab
1 New some type of very small star fish from my live rock ( seen him this morning )
How much more should I add, and of what. Should I just run my blue lights for now or leave them on my 10 hr timer
2 blue attinc
2 10k total 64watts per bulb
I am also showing signs of red and a small amount of green alge.
Would it be wise to add some type of sand sifter ( Goby. Blenny, Brittle Star, any other suggestions)
THANKS for the replies.

 

[spanko]

What are your water parameters?
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2452933
Diatoms are a normal part of cycling. They will go away on their own providing you keep your water parameter and husbandry in good shape. You already have a clean up crew so that will help with the diatoms. Not to worry you are right on track. Don't overfeed as it will fuel the diatoms and other unwanted visitors

Right! Silicates, high nitrates and (maybe) excess phosphates can also be big diatom feeders. But that is only a something to remember if they reappear down the road, the 1st outbreak is normal.

 

[sepulatian]

Do not add anything more. People often add large cleanup crews to eat diatoms. They won't, but will starve. Use RO/DI water and minimize the lights.

 

[firefightered]

Thanks the perimaters are
Nitrite= .1
Nitrate+ 20
Amon= ?
PH= 8.2
Alk= norm
Should I just let it ride and can I add any more live rock at this time?