First sign of the ugly stage?

[KochergenJ]

Looks like the ugly stage has finally showed up in my tank. I'm assuming it is cyano due to the fact that it appeared red under the lights, and was a slime texture when cleaned off of my HOB. Testing levels are low on nitrates and phosphate, barely registering either. Going to slightly increase feedings to see if I can adjust the numbers and wait it out.

 

[Jekyl]

Most likely diatoms and just the tip of the ugly iceberg.

 

[officialreefbros]

It's going to be a journey but take it slow and be patient through the uglies. You'll have a lot of diatoms from the dry rock. BRS has some good videos showing the phases!

 

[CrimsonTide]

That's a shiny new tank. It's too pretty. Let those ugliest fix it right up!!!!

It's probably diatoms if I had to guess. Cyano is really red. If it blows off with turkey baster I would say diatoms. Of it slurps up in the turkey baster then maybe cyano lol.

Goodluck!!!!

 

[KochergenJ]

Time to get myself a turkey baster. Is it weird that I'm actually excited the ugly stage started?

 

[officialreefbros]

Time to get myself a turkey baster. Is it weird that I'm actually excited the ugly stage started?

Nope! It's all part of the process and a fun journey!

 

[slingfox]

Get one of these. Super useful for cleaning the tank generally (especially odd areas like the area where the sand hits the glass). Also immensely useful when you need to scrub algae or other uglies from the rocks.

https://a.co/d/3ZQa6Yj

 

[kevgib67]

It means your tank is maturing, embrace it. Diatoms are self limiting and go away on their own when their food source, silicates, are depleted. If it bothers you you can help it along by adding copepods.

 

[KochergenJ]

What's crazy is I had added copepods right after my tank cycled. Figured I did something wrong because I never noticed them on the glass. Well 2 days ago, I'm scrubbing glass and I notice both sides of the tank are covered with pods. Guess my population decided to show up at the right time.

 

[KochergenJ]

Get one of these. Super useful for cleaning the tank generally (especially odd areas like the area where the sand hits the glass). Also immensely useful when you need to scrub algae or other uglies from the rocks.

https://a.co/d/3ZQa6Yj

That is a brilliant idea!