Sounds just like diatoms. Soon you'll see some bubbles too around and on
the diatoms. www.geocities.com/bryg30/AquarDiary.html about half way down
you can see my diatom explosion, for your reference.

You don't have to put any animals in there. The nasty brown will last a
while then one day 'poof'! I did happen to have some hermits and they were
fine, however I got my rock locally and, as you can see from the pic, I
didn't start with much rock so my cycle didn't get too severe.

Just test your water once or twice a week. I've been reading your entries,
everything is normal. Sit and have a beer as was suggested.

So when you getting a digital camera?

B


"StringerBell" wrote in message
...
Hello all---

a rusty color has hit some spots on the Rock----are these the dreaded
"Diatoms"?

Is it time for me to add some little snails and crabs?