Is This Algae Or Is This Root Tabs?

Hello!

I've noticed some orange rust looking sand thing happening in my white gravel over the last week. I noticed it before this and gave the whole tank a really good scrubbing and wash, and basically started my tank all over -- I am currently in the process of cycling the tank, so all that is in here are some plants, root tabs, and my little snail. Anyone have any idea what this could be?




and if you do know, do you have any idea how to get rid of it?

 

What kind of root tabs do you use?

 

I use the API root tabs

 

I use the API root tabs Gourami36

 

I use the API root tabs Gourami36

API Root Tabs turned my sand reddish Also did you break the root tabs?

 

Yeah - I broke the tabs in half because I only have a 5 gallon, and 3 plants, so I figured they didn't need a root tab each.

So I shouldn't be worried about algae just yet?

 

Yeah - I broke the tabs in half because I only have a 5 gallon, and 3 plants, so I figured they didn't need a root tab each.

So I shouldn't be worried about algae just yet?

If you break the root tabs some orange powder comes out. Next time don’t break them. If the plants are close together put 1 root tab for 2. Or just put 1 root tab each