Deep Sand Bed Update Questions

[buttered loins]

Hey guys

Just an update on my DSB and some questions. well i have a 2 inch DSB with super super fine sand. I have no critters in the DSB yet ( waiting for LFS to get some in), but i have been turn the top layer of the sand once a week. The DSB has been running for 4 weeks. the top of the sand first stayed white, then turn brown after a week and now the sand is turning black on top. my question is should the sand be yurning black? i know brown is ok but black?

Thanks for any help.

[Catpicklesdog]

Any chance of a piccie?

[ZSandmann]

Sounds like a diatom bloom.

[Reefscape]

Kind of agree with the above here...a pic would be great of the algae to get a confirmed opinion....

[kryptic4l]

imo 2 inches does not qualify as a dsb

[AnnetteG]

I was about to say that. DSB is usually 3" or more. Actually, anything less than 3" is a shallow sand bed. Here's a link:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/deepsandbeds.htm

[Dale W.]

I had to throw a note on this.

Although 2" is not really concidered a DSB in the norm as a general rule, the depth of the sand in relation to grain size will determine the logistics of nitrfying bacteria in relation to the content of O2 in the sand. Defining a "depth" for DSB cant really be done unless you factor in the grain size and run a graduated chart in relation to such.

OK, enough of that.

Your brown algae is more than likely a creation of cyanobacteria which will also be in a redish form. Can you treat it?, yup, but there really is not a need for it as this is normal in a new tank. 4 weeks is right on schedule for this to happen. You can syphon or scoop it out to minimize growth. check your calcium and magnesium levels. If it doesn't go away, you can use chemiclean which is an oxidizing agent that wont harm your tank.

[buttered loins]

how do you put pics on i push insert image button but it says insert URL. And as dave W says the grain size is very small and there is a good water flow over the entire tank so i still want to see if i can make a natural nitrate reduction with 2" because it has been done before.

[Dale W.]

With your system, what is the temp running?

[buttered loins]

It is at 25.5 degrees celuis

[Dale W.]

Thats not bad if it is at a constant 25.5 or within a degree. Do you have a calcium test kit? If not, you should get one. Nano's are the toughest of tanks to take care of.