New tank, new colors, where am I?

[mikedgrok]

Hi all,

Long time reader and researcher. Finally took the plunge a few weeks ago and am ecstatic to be a part of everything this is.

I am running the fluval evo 13.5 with about 15 lbs dry rock and 1" caribsea live sand around.

Started off dosing ammonia, had used instant ocean bio-spira to get moving with cycling. Took a few days to get nitrite readings, maybe another week to start reading nitrate, and three more days to read nitrates with zero nitrites ...

Within a day or two of reading nitrates, started seeing the brownish coloration appearing on sand and live rock. Has expanded over last two days.

Have a few emerald crabs and hermits in the tank now, and also added a maroon lightning clown (beautiful) once nitrites had dropped to zero (of course I also stopped dosing ammonia as soon as these guys went in).

Wanted to check what this growth is, relative to where I might be in the initial algae phases.

Are these diatoms? Look similar to diatoms in my freshwater tanks...

Additionally, any guidance on when to start using things like purigen, charcoal and/or chemipure.

Is it too soon for those? Do I want to let my nitrates build a bit (5-10ppm) for a little while?

Thanks to anyone for your time and support. Really excited to be a part of this with all of you.

 

[dank reefer]

Welcome to R2R!!!
Pretty sure they are Diatoms, and welcome to the ugly stages.

 

[mikedgrok]

Welcome to R2R!!!
Pretty sure they are Diatoms, and welcome to the ugly stages.

Thanks a lot. Appreciate the response. Hope I didn't offend anyone by not looking at the other 1000 threads that told me this (which I did read!!)

Have also seen your other threads and been following along your builds. Thanks for the welcome!

Yes can't wait for the ugly phase. There is beauty in all natural processes.

 

[Dan_P]

Hi all,

Long time reader and researcher. Finally took the plunge a few weeks ago and am ecstatic to be a part of everything this is.

I am running the fluval evo 13.5 with about 15 lbs dry rock and 1" caribsea live sand around.

Started off dosing ammonia, had used instant ocean bio-spira to get moving with cycling. Took a few days to get nitrite readings, maybe another week to start reading nitrate, and three more days to read nitrates with zero nitrites ...

Within a day or two of reading nitrates, started seeing the brownish coloration appearing on sand and live rock. Has expanded over last two days.

Have a few emerald crabs and hermits in the tank now, and also added a maroon lightning clown (beautiful) once nitrites had dropped to zero (of course I also stopped dosing ammonia as soon as these guys went in).

Wanted to check what this growth is, relative to where I might be in the initial algae phases.

Are these diatoms? Look similar to diatoms in my freshwater tanks...

Additionally, any guidance on when to start using things like purigen, charcoal and/or chemipure.

Is it too soon for those? Do I want to let my nitrates build a bit (5-10ppm) for a little while?

Thanks to anyone for your time and support. Really excited to be a part of this with all of you.

Did you see the brownish coloration before or after you started to stock the aquarium?

 

[mikedgrok]

Did you see the brownish coloration before or after you started to stock the aquarium?

After ... By a week maybe?

 

[Dan_P]

After ... By a week maybe?

Thanks for the information.

I am attempting to understand new tank ”uglies“ and nuisance organism growth. One idea that needs clarification is how do such organisms arrive in the system. While they might “drop in“ from the air, I believe that most or if not all are brought in as hitchhikers with the new live stock. When reviewing old posts on new tank “uglies”, timing of growth is not discussed. It is an idea that needs confirmation.

 

[Aqua Man]

. While they might “drop in“ from the air, I believe that most or if not all are brought in as hitchhikers with the new live stock.

Alga is a hitchhiker. Definitely agree.

Yes can't wait for the ugly phase. There is beauty in all natural processes.

Cyano is such a nice dark red! To bad it’s a nuisance! Lol

 

[mikedgrok]

Week later and things are moving fast!

I got some snails last weekend and diatoms have been much enjoyed! Back wall still has about 50% coverage ... Snails have been working hard.

Looking at some green colorations for the last 2-3 days on the highest of the live rock in the tank. Wanted to see if anyone could help me identify what this is.

Had added ARC coralline pink starter about 1.5 weeks ago, still patiently but excitedly waiting there !

Added 2 small pieces of aquacultured live rock from the LFS last weekend as well. So, lots of things being introduced !

Ph 8.3
1.025sg / 9.5dKh
0/0 nitrates/phos





Thanks all!