Some Brown color on my live sand

[tank202094]

I bought 75Gal saltwater tank used and the tank been running for at least 6 months by previous owner. I have tank running for 1 week now. I did see some brown color on my live sand. Is this normal? Please help, I am new to saltwater fish.

Thanks,

 

[JayM]

it's normal, and a typical result of a new or moved tank. welcome to the hobby!

do a search here on 'dino' and see if any of the pictures look like what your tank is experiencing

 

[nichols]

Welcome! Also look up diatom.

 

[stingythingy45]

Welcome! Also look up diatom.

Yup,sounds like diatoms.

 

[JayM]

yeah, shoulda asked if they were runny.......

 

[tank202094]

Thanks for all your help. I will reduced lighting to 3 hrs a day to see what happen. I was set my T5 HO light for 2 hrs in the morning and 4hrs at night. I hope by reduced lighting and it goes away.

 

[JayM]

can you tell us what is in your tank? Generally, there should only be 1 photoperiod (lighting period) per day.

 

[tank202094]

Hi JayM
Right now I only have some fake coral and 2 clown fish. but I will be adding live rock, more fish later, and no coral.

 

[tank202094]

Here r pictures of my tank with brown color. Is it safe to add fish if Amonia, nitrite, and nitrate, PH r good?

 

[stingythingy45]

Most definitely diatoms.
This is normal,but if you're not using ro/di water you could introduce silicates.
Silicates are what diatoms use to build their shells.

 

[Jennifer]

I second that..........












all in favor say " I ".

 

[tank202094]

What silicates will do to tank? Does it get rid of DIATOM and also save to adding fish?

Thanks,

 

[jbishop]

I

 

[stingythingy45]

Silicates are pretty much what your sand/glass are made of.It will do nothing to fish,corals..ect.
Some silicates can be found in water as well.From what I understand the DI resin of a ro/di filter removes silicates from tap water.
If you don't use ro/di water you could prolong the diatom bloom.