Please help me figure out how to fix this algae/diatom problem.

[Captain Jack]

About a week ago I added some Figi refugium mud to my sump (8" x 14" refugium). After adding it, it looked like a diatom problem started, but it is getting worse and the sand is looking almost like a blanket of dark color....I looks like it is turning into an algae problem. Do you think it would be a good idea to remove all the refugium mud i just added and do a couple large water changes, before the algae gets out of control?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

About a week ago I added some Figi refugium mud to my sump (8" x 14" refugium). After adding it, it looked like a diatom problem started, but it is getting worse and the sand is looking almost like a blanket of dark color....I looks like it is turning into an algae problem. Do you think it would be a good idea to remove all the refugium mud i just added and do a couple large water changes, before the algae gets out of control?

Is it a new tank?
I honestly wouldn't worry at this point.
What the mud is adding is the macro fauna from the ocean. I may get ugly for a bit but that's what you want right now.
Yea there's some nutrints in it but there's a whole lot more in it that will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

A bit long but quite old school view of starting a reef tank.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/must-read-for-planning-new-setup-cure-cycling.294017/#post-3589198

Your going to have more colors of corraline than you knew existed btw.

 

[Captain Jack]

Yea, the tank is only about 3 months old. I guess I am just nervous that it will get really ugly, but I suppose after it gets ugly, it will clear up eventually.

 

[nervousmonkey]

It's fine, if you want, you can add some PhosGuard for 2 or 3 days to clear out any silicates but like Salty said, nothing to worry about, actually good for your tank.