What Is This On My Plants And Decorations?

cycling tank, over 4 weeks old nitrates are at 20 and 0 ammonia and nitrite so I think it’s almost done just added some more ammonia to see where it’s at tomorrow. But this brown coating on the decorations and plants is increasing. I don’t know what it is or if it’s bad. Will my snails and shrimp take care of it once they get moved in?

 

I have the same thing going on in my new tank. Based on my research, I believe it's diatoms, but I hope someone else will weigh in with a more definitive answer.

 

HI kam,

That’s diatom aka brown algae. It’s common in newly set-up aquariums. You can wipe it off with your hand or leave and it’ll eventually leave on its own.
Your snails should take care of it.

 

Diatoms, something most new aquariums go through. The snails and shrimp will eat it but I believe some extra water changes may also help.

 

Good news! thank you so much for the responses.