Can someone tell what this is on my gravel? Brown algae or something worse?

[mlovelace]

I haven't had my tank running but for three weeks and noticed this on the bottom? It is starting to spread pretty quick.

Thank you, Mike

[MyNameIsJoe]

Looks like brown algae to me. If you are cycling your tank, this algae is gonna probably cover the entire tank. It's all part of the natural cycling process, it should clear up eventually. Algae thrives in dead spots.. You might also want to increase the water flow, especially in the areas where the algae is growing... How are your nitrate levels? Do you have a skimmer running?

[leebca]

Looks like brown algae. It really isn't algae at all. It is actually diatoms.

These guys live on dissolved silica. Just be sure the source water you are suing is silica free. These guys will reduce in number but never totally go away. You can keep a herd of snails to keep it out of sight if you want. This is a normal phase of a new setup.

Are you reading this? Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

[mlovelace]

Looks like brown algae to me. If you are cycling your tank, this algae is gonna probably cover the entire tank. It's all part of the natural cycling process, it should clear up eventually. Algae thrives in dead spots.. You might also want to increase the water flow, especially in the areas where the algae is growing... How are your nitrate levels? Do you have a skimmer running?

Yes, I have an euroreef 80rs running and two k'3's with a mag 7 return pump. My last check, I believe my nitrates were at 5 or 10?

[mlovelace]

Looks like brown algae. It really isn't algae at all. It is actually diatoms.

These guys live on dissolved silica. Just be sure the source water you are suing is silica free. These guys will reduce in number but never totally go away. You can keep a herd of snails to keep it out of sight if you want. This is a normal phase of a new setup.

Are you reading this? Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Appreciate it Lee, yes I am reading this and some of the others probably 5 times a week

I seem to find something new each time or have forgotten something;;