Sand question

[icu5545]

I'm using 40lbs. of arag-alive sand. As I came into my room today I noticed a brown color starting to form on the top layer of sand. I was wondering (1)if this was algae (2)the easiest way to clean it up. Thanks in advance.

 

[OrionGirl]

New tank? Probaby diatom algae. A good group of cleaners once the tank is cycled, otherwise I wouldn't worry too much. You can usually use a siphon to pull it up in clumps, but it often returns quickly in new tanks or those lacking suitable cleaner crews.

 

[icu5545]

Thanks for the info and advice.

 

[HkySk8r187]

Same thing happened to me. My tank suddenly was covered with brown. After a couple weeks it died off and there is no brown anywhere. I would just leave it and put some cleaners in the tank and give it time.