What is this brown stuff?

[extremepcs]

Hi,
What is this brown stuff forming on my sand and live rock, and is it normal in a tank that is cycling? Should I be concerned, or do anything about it? No livestock yet. I used a raw shrimp to kick off cycling. I removed it a few days ago. Amonia is back to 0. Nitrate is about 8. Lights are on 6 hour on/off schedule.
Thanks!

 

[scotts]

If your tank is cycling than you have what is called diatoms. They are a normal part of the cycle and will die off in a couple of weeks.

 

[canisee2]

This is a normal part of cycling which i think indicates the cycle is almost over,the brown stuff is called diatoms (sp?) and once you can get a clean up crew they usually clean it up.
HTH!(hope this helps)
Austin

 

[symmonn]

i also have this in my tank, but a lot thicker, I am in my 4th week of cycling.