Possible Diatom Bloom???

Specs

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Hey so I’ve got a 20g tank (1st saltwater aquarium) I first started almost 2 months ago (fishless cycle) (dry rock, carib sea sand, Red Sea coral pro salt, AI prime LED, Aquamaxx HOB w/refugium set up in last compartament have chaeto as my macro algae) I added a fire goby and a fire shrimp about 2 weeks ago and N. Snails were added 2 days ago. Before I went out of town Tuesday I started to see a “brown dust” on some rock directly under the light. This morning my wife sent me pictures saying that almost 2/3 of the the sand bed/rock have this “brown dust” now. From the pictures and what I’ve read I think it’s a diatom bloom... what do y’all think?

If it is, isnt it common in new setups and typically clears up after a couple weeks? Anything I can do to help clear up? Was planning on a WC when I get home this afternoon, as well as test my levels, since I’ve been out of town for most the week.

Was planning on getting a pair of clownfish and some Cerith & trochus snails to add to my CUC this coming week, is it safe to go ahead and add these or should I wait till this clears up?

87DC4C30-30D7-4F08-B799-0DB14084486E.jpeg
 

mta_morrow

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Does it just blow away ( blow w a turkey baster).
If so it is most likely diatoms which will go away.
Do your water change and post your test results for us to check out.
 
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Specs

Specs

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Does it just blow away ( blow w a turkey baster).
If so it is most likely diatoms which will go away.
Do your water change and post your test results for us to check out.
Just asked her to try that and yes it will “blow way” when you “blow” at it with a turkey baster.
Still have a couple hours till I’ll be home but will do.
Thanks!
 

Jason mack

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Yes it’s a diatom bloom , the first stage of the uglies ... all perfectly normal !!!
 

mta_morrow

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Just asked her to try that and yes it will “blow way” when you “blow” at it with a turkey baster.
Still have a couple hours till I’ll be home but will do.
Thanks!

Great!

I wouldn’t be buying much of anything for your CUC yet.

You don’t want to feed more than what your fish need at this point.

Once your rocks start turning green and you need to clean your glass every few days, then it’s ok to start adding snails n crabs.

At the right pace!
 

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