kmmthree Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Hey everyone I am new to this this might be completely normal but I am unsure. I have little spots that look like rust starting to form in my aquarium. Is this normal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteorflower Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Are they easy to wipe off? And is your tank fairly new? If so, it's probably diatoms. Just a normal step in the cycling process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mindflux Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Hey everyone I am new to this this might be completely normal but I am unsure. I have little spots that look like rust starting to form in my aquarium. Is this normal? Did you get some guys to come over and help you get set up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmthree Posted May 31, 2011 Author Share Posted May 31, 2011 It is new not sure if they are easy to wipe off. They are on some of the rocks and on the back wall. I did have someone setup the aquarium for me. Should I try to get these rust spots out of the aquarium? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+etannert Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 If they can be wiped off, it might by cyano. Can you post a pic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhart032 Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 i would be surprised if it was cyano or diatoms, neither really look like rust color cyano is more deep burgundy colored and diatoms are more brownish in color. it mite be something in the rock. was the rock new dry rock or was it cured cycle rock? see if you can take a toothbrush and brush it off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+etannert Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Actually, I've had cyano that took on a rust color on my live rock. It comes in many forms, not just the maroon mat-like appearance on the sand bed. A half dose of Chemi-clean cleared it up before it became a major problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhart032 Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 The name "cyanobacteria" comes from the color of the bacteri, i have seen what some say is cyano, but its not. there are many forms of bacteria that mimic the texture and look of cyano. and im sure chemi clean will take care of most of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhart032 Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 at the very least i would swing more towards diatoms, if the tank is or rock is new its part of a cycle and will burn off in a couple weeks i know it makes your tank look like crap but its just part of it. you can add snails that eat the diatoms. my favs to get this job done are trochus, astrea, and nassarius. they are quick and efficient at getting the problem taken care of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeferT88 Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 My 40g tank is going through its cycle right now(day 11) and I have rust colored spots on the sand and glass, i think it is diatoms. Look at my 40g thread pics and see if it is similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmthree Posted June 1, 2011 Author Share Posted June 1, 2011 It is similar. It rubs off very easily. I have it on the rocks, sand, and the glass. to rub it all off I will need to take the rocks out to take it all off. Not sure if I should do that or just leave it. The rock was cured dead rock. Thanks for all the responses. My 40g tank is going through its cycle right now(day 11) and I have rust colored spots on the sand and glass, i think it is diatoms. Look at my 40g thread pics and see if it is similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmthree Posted June 1, 2011 Author Share Posted June 1, 2011 Here's a picture of some of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeferT88 Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 definitely diatoms (I also used dry rock in my setup), when did you set up the tank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmthree Posted June 1, 2011 Author Share Posted June 1, 2011 A little over 2 weeks ago. definitely diatoms (I also used dry rock in my setup), when did you set up the tank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 Yep, it is about the right timing for diatoms in the new tank stage. You can start adding a clean up crew (crabs, snails) to help battle some of it, but they will eventually go away as your tank matures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.