Is this supposed to happen?

[qazplm25]

i got my live rock on saturday. Today some of my sand is starting to turn the live rock color. Is this supposed to happen. It used to be white, and now some parts are a tanish color on top. Also lots of other "stuff" from the live rock is on the sandbed. Like little green or red things, theres a long worm like tube with segments.

 

[JayM]

worm sounds like a bristle....and it's fine. The tan might just be some silt from the LR, shouldn't be a big deal.....

 

[jbundas]

Tan growth on sand/gravel is probably just diatom. It's a pretty typical stage for all new tanks. That should go away in a week or so once it burns through what it likes - silicate if I recall correctly.

 

[dz6t]

That is normal. Every new tank will go through the diatom bloom phase. The tank color on the sand is diatom. It will go away when the tank is mature. The tiny critters are benefitcial.

 

[qazplm25]

ok, Thanks. Yes i am pretty sure it is diatom because it is starting to creep up onto the walls too. when this is gone is it a sign that the tanks cycle is coming to an end. Also should i do anything about it like stir up the gravel or anything?

 

[jbundas]

I wouldn't worry about doing anything about the diatoms. It'll go away when it's run its course provided you're using well filtered water. Coming or going isn't really an indication of tank cycling though. I'll get a patch once in a while after doing a big water change. When in doubt, just wait a little longer and be careful about big changes in your system be it lights, livestock, water parameters, whatever. Especially with a smaller tank. I'd give it a couple weeks after adding your rock before taking the next step. So far it sounds good though.

 

[Rays]

No it's not a sign that your tank has cycled, it's just one small part of the cyclingprocess.

 

[qazplm25]

when i got home today and looked at my tank a few hours ago WOW!
The diatom is 4x worse then yesterday. its starting to creep on the glass even more. on all four sides.

 

[qazplm25]

now its mostly gone. a little on the ground and a little on the walls.

 

[MAReefer1]

good to hear

 

[qazplm25]

thank you.