Algae?

[Vailj123]

Hi guys! Still very new at this. New tank, cycled with Dr Tim’s almost a month ago. Parameters are all near perfect. Light off all the time. Little to no direct sunlight (except to take the picture). Added clown fish about a week ago. Starting to get this brown underneath the sand. Is this normal? Do I let it go or is there something I should do? Sorry if this was answered elsewhere. I did a quick search and didn’t find anything specific. Any help is appreciated!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi guys! Still very new at this. New tank, cycled with Dr Tim’s almost a month ago. Parameters are all near perfect. Light off all the time. Little to no direct sunlight (except to take the picture). Added clown fish about a week ago. Starting to get this brown underneath the sand. Is this normal? Do I let it go or is there something I should do? Sorry if this was answered elsewhere. I did a quick search and didn’t find anything specific. Any help is appreciated!

Its the beginning of Normal diatoms. Diatoms are a brown algae that typically appear in a reef tank that has just completed its cycle but they can also appear in an established reef tank. They can cover sand, rock, pumps, glass, you name it. Diatoms look ugly but in most cases they are harmless so the key is to not panic when they appear.
Diatoms feed mainly off of silicates but also consume dissolved organic compounds, phosphate and nitrates. Unfiltered tap water can contain silicates and is a good way to jump start a bloom if you use it to mix salt or to replace water that evaporated from the tank. The best way to prevent this from happening is to filter water through a RODI unit, although you can still get a diatom bloom when using RODI if the cartridge that removes silicates expires.
Diatoms are typically harmless to a captive reef and can be beaten once their food source expires. Once you put the end to the source, the outbreak should last a couple of weeks so just be patient and it will pass.

 

[The_Paradox]

Totally normal. If you’re going to keep sand bed that deep though I would suggest getting some sand sifting clean up crew.

 

[Vailj123]

Its the beginning of Normal diatoms. Diatoms are a brown algae that typically appear in a reef tank that has just completed its cycle but they can also appear in an established reef tank. They can cover sand, rock, pumps, glass, you name it. Diatoms look ugly but in most cases they are harmless so the key is to not panic when they appear.
Diatoms feed mainly off of silicates but also consume dissolved organic compounds, phosphate and nitrates. Unfiltered tap water can contain silicates and is a good way to jump start a bloom if you use it to mix salt or to replace water that evaporated from the tank. The best way to prevent this from happening is to filter water through a RODI unit, although you can still get a diatom bloom when using RODI if the cartridge that removes silicates expires.
Diatoms are typically harmless to a captive reef and can be beaten once their food source expires. Once you put the end to the source, the outbreak should last a couple of weeks so just be patient and it will pass.

I just installed a new RO system before I filled the tank. I’m afraid it’s not good enough. It’s a three stage system I bought from Lowe’s. I hope that’s not the case because like I said everything else seems perfect. I even put some of Dr Tim’s First Defense in anytime I top off or do a water change to get whatever else is left in there.

 

[Vailj123]

Totally normal. If you’re going to keep sand bed that deep though I would suggest getting some sand sifting clean up crew.

What would you suggest? And how many? Sorry I’m very green to the saltwater side of this hobby lol

 

[SpursFan]

I just installed a new RO system before I filled the tank. I’m afraid it’s not good enough. It’s a three stage system I bought from Lowe’s. I hope that’s not the case because like I said everything else seems perfect. I even put some of Dr Tim’s First Defense in anytime I top off or do a water change to get whatever else is left in there.

You probably need to a DI stage to your RO system, super easy. Check Bulk Reef Supply. RO only cleans the water to a degree, DI gets the stuff you really don't want in tank.

 

[vetteguy53081]

You probably need to a DI stage to your RO system, super easy. Check Bulk Reef Supply. RO only cleans the water to a degree, DI gets the stuff you really don't want in tank.

What would you suggest? And how many? Sorry I’m very green to the saltwater side of this hobby lol

You likely have a drinking system unit with carbon and sediment capability and will be inadequate for needs

As I said, typical issue which subsides. If you don’t like the appearance as some tank owners don’t, you can add a few snails such as cerith, astrea, nassarius and turbo to assist with cleanup

 

[Vailj123]

You probably need to a DI stage to your RO system, super easy. Check Bulk Reef Supply. RO only cleans the water to a degree, DI gets the stuff you really don't want in tank.

Can you add that inline with the existing RO system?

 

[Vailj123]

As I said, typical issue which subsides. If you don’t like the appearance as some tank owners don’t, you can add a few snails such as cerith, astrea, nassarius and turbo to assist with cleanup

I realized after the fact my sand is pretty deep so as the other person said I don’t think it would be a bad idea to add some sort of cleanup crew, just not sure with the fine sand substrate I used of shrimp or snails are best but you say snails?

 

[collins.jason.k]

Diatoms that are completely normal. If you just patiently wait you will wake up one day and notice they have completely disappeared. I just went through the exact same thing on my tank I set up in March. It was exactly one day prior to the 4 month up and running date when I came home from work and noticed that the diatoms were completely gone over night.

It's not the prettiest to look at but they will in time to away. Don't have to use and additives or chemicals, it's a natural process.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I realized after the fact my sand is pretty deep so as the other person said I don’t think it would be a bad idea to add some sort of cleanup crew, just not sure with the fine sand substrate I used of shrimp or snails are best but you say snails?

snails and even a sand sifting starfish. The nassarius snails will go into sand

 

[Rmckoy]

I realized after the fact my sand is pretty deep so as the other person said I don’t think it would be a bad idea to add some sort of cleanup crew, just not sure with the fine sand substrate I used of shrimp or snails are best but you say snails?

Snails , hermits ,
It might be too early for an urchin or sand sifting fish .

 

[Vailj123]

So it seems like I don’t have to do anything except maybe add a DI portion to my existing RO system lol

snails and even a sand sifting starfish. The nassarius snails will go into sand

very nice thank you so much! Sorry if this seems so basic to some of you but you guys really are supportive and a great help! Just curious if I go the snail route how many I should get for a 13 gal tank

 

[vetteguy53081]

Can you add that inline with the existing RO system?

It depends on type of system. Often better to buy a 4 stage RODI unit such as BRS brand

 

[paragrouper]

I realized after the fact my sand is pretty deep so as the other person said I don’t think it would be a bad idea to add some sort of cleanup crew, just not sure with the fine sand substrate I used of shrimp or snails are best but you say snails?

A Nassarius in particular will help with your sand bed.

 

[The_Paradox]

Can you add that inline with the existing RO system?

Amazon product ASIN B00FR6R25S
If you do not have one already it is worth installing an inline TDS meter after the DI. That way in the future you know when to replace media and you have peace of mind.