Brown Stuffness?

[MizTanks]

I have this brown stuff that covers just about everything in my tank. Most noticeably on the glass. I'm cleaning it off every day. Anyone else encounter this? Any idea as to what it might be? Diatoms maybe?

[Sir Patrick]

Sounds likely-

Got a pic??

[bluwc]

That's what it sounds like.

[Sir Patrick]

Does it go away when the light are out, and come back full force throughout the day?

[MizTanks]

Originally Posted by Sir Patrick

Does it go away when the light are out, and come back full force throughout the day?

Good question~I'll have to pay attention tonight an see in the morn what it looks like. But I do believe it's worse during the day.

[Rabidgoose]

Does it look kinda like this??

[Heidi]

Is that what diatoms look like rabid?

[SaltCreeps]

either that or cyano bacteria but both are normal this time of the year...... especially with small systems ive noticed this when i was working for a lfs. i would try chemi clean
http://www.marinedepot.com/Boyd_Chem...MERM-4-vi.html

[MizTanks]

Originally Posted by Rabidgoose

Does it look kinda like this??

Yup! But more so on the glass. Unless I can't see it on the rock. The SB looks pretty clean too.

[Rabidgoose]

Originally Posted by Heidi

Is that what diatoms look like rabid?

Yes...Diatoms

Originally Posted by MizTanks

Yup! But more so on the glass. Unless I can't see it on the rock. The SB looks pretty clean too.

Diatoms.....


Diatoms thrive on excess nutrients, in particular silicate/silicic. I have noticed in new tanks and actually when adding new equipment (plastic) a boon in diatoms, however small. While I have know scientific proof or expertise on the matter it is a pattern I have witnessed more than once in my tank(s). A combination of manually removing, active skimming and an aggressive water change regimen should defeat this enemy in a reasonable amount of time. Various snails commonly offered by vendors may also play a role in eradicating diatoms.

It is worth noting in the picture above, this is a worst case scenario, don't wait until your enemy is this well entrenched. While it might not be evident everything in the tank has diatoms on it and other algae to a much lesser degree. Of course if brown is your favorite color, disregard everything i've said......