New Tank Live sand Problem??

[mcvancleave]

I got a tank that i just started and began making it saltwater. I got live sand in it so far and using the stupid little hang on filter to circulate the water until i build or find a filter that will work cramped for space under cabinet. (Any ideas let me know!)
I am noticing black spots in the sand what are these and should i be very concerned.




Thanks
Michael

[FISH WHISPERER]

Hi,

If you are cramped for room under the cabinet you might just go with a good powerhead in the tank. That wouldn't take up any room outside the tank.

The black spots in the sand are perfectly normal. It shows that the sandbed is "working." ;) As you progress you'll notice an almost sedimentary layer beneath the surface of the sand - this is basically where your anaerobic bacteria are processing nitrates and converting them to gas. You might also begin to develop patches of cyano or other algae on the sandbed. All these things are normal in the development of a new tank. You can combat them by reducing the lighting schedule and/or actually suctioning the slime out. Good luck, HTH! :)