Orange Sand

[Banana Man]

Hi,

First time post so hello to everyone!

I have my fist tank nearly 3 weeks now and have 3 snails, 3 hermit crabs, 2 cleaner shrimp, 2 clowns and a Cardinal. I noticed this orange colour appearing on the top of my sand a few days ago and at first i thought it was from when one of the shrimps had shed it skin... i didnt see this happen but thought that in the process it might have kicked some stuff up on the sand. Over the last few days though more seems to be appearing, or at least the colour is getting alot darker. I have attached a photo. Anyone know what this might be?

Thanks!

 

[Smitty]

Welcome to the site...looks like diatoms to me, which are totally natural in new tanks.

 

[markrj]

Yes. Normal. Mine are all gone now. I have been setup for 7 weeks. CUC will take care of them.

 

[marcah]

howdy and welcome to the site.. +1 smitty looks like diatoms to me also..

 

[Banana Man]

Ok, thanks! Puts my mind at rest. Just read up on Diatoms, normal enough with new sand it seems.

 

[little_fish]

Hello and Welcome!

You need to slow down with the fish. You should only be adding one every 3 or 4 weeks otherwise you risk causing your tank to recycle because you added too much waste too fast.

Nothing good happens fast in this hobby.