Sand discoloration.

[vinx]

My tank has been running for about 4 months and the sand is turning different colors almost like it's dyeing it's getting black and brownish. I purchased snails and crabs and also a dragon goby to help some of it. The dragon was helping pretty good in the beginning but he seems to have gotten lazy any suggestions?

 

[hnguyen]

That's pretty normal IMO. I've never seen a tank that's been up awhile with perfectly white sand.

 

[KrisDeitz]

Sounds like Diatoms. May need ot beef up the CUC.

Tank size? and specs?
water Params?

 

[danielll]

diatoms tend not to last long (1-2 weeks), then your cuc can roll in and have you looking good as new in no time.

 

[vinx]

Parameters are good. It's a 120 gallon with 5 small fish fed once a day. I don't have pix to upload, but I can take a pic and text it. Thanks for everyones feedback.

 

[KrisDeitz]

Good as in? Gotta be more specific

 

[KrisDeitz]

Amici;635010 wrote: +1 again

Im learning : ) This Site has me learning more and more

 

[vinx]

http://%3Ca%20href=%22http://s490.photobucket.com/albums/rr261/vinkox/?action=view&current=tank2.jpg%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr261/vinkox/tank2.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%3E%3C/a%3E" alt="" />

Edit: <img src="http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/[IMG]http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr261/vinkox/tank2.jpg alt="" />" alt="" />

 

[cr500_af]

Are you talking about the surface, or at depth looking from the side (through the glass into the strata of the sand)?

 

[vinx]

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[hnguyen]

Oh!!! I thought you were talking about in between the sand and the glass. This is on top out in the open. Are you sure your params are all in check? What test kit are you using?

 

[vinx]

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[hnguyen]

VinX;635028 wrote:

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Nice aquascaping btw.

 

[vinx]

Hnguyen;635029 wrote: Oh!!! I thought you were talking about in between the sand and the glass. This is on top out in the open. Are you sure your params are all in check? What test kit are you using?

its been about 2 weeks since ive checked, Im using some petco brand testers

 

[KrisDeitz]

API it sounds like. Everyone has mixed feelings. I have gotton good results with them. Cept one time. But i forgot to shake the bottles...

 

[hnguyen]

VinX;635032 wrote: its been about 2 weeks since ive checked, Im using some petco brand testers

Uhhhh..... There's your problem right there. I don't think Think those things are accurate. You should try and double check with your LFS. Bring a water same with you. Or to a buddies house

 

[hnguyen]

If your not too far from me I can check it for you.

 

[rjrgroup]

How's the new RO/DI unit? I'm betting you've just slacked off on w/c because your bum foot and F1 back on...
Chris did the aquascaping with the sandbed stirred up, couldn't see a thing and that's what it looked like the next day. It looks awesome!