What is this?

[anderson4889]

Hey guys,

I've just noticed a brown coating forming on my white substrate. I'm guessing this is algae yes? Any ideas?

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[StandbySetting]

It's just diatoms- common in newly setup tanks, completely harmless.

 

[angelcraze]

It usually goes away on its own in newly setup tanks, but there are many fish and aquatic critters that eat those diatoms like they are candy. It's a big favorite with snails. It's not really an algae, but exoskeletons of microorganisms, very high in calcium for snail shells. It also wipes off very easily.

 

[anderson4889]

Ah, brilliant. So am I right in thinking that by seeing this I am close to the end of cycling the tank, I just need to wait for the nitrates to level out?


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