NEED HELP!! Substrate turning a different color under my tank

[Daniellebusone22]

I was just checking on my tank to see what I can see from underneath my crabitat...when I looked I saw that there are multiple spots that are changing a weird color. I’ve never seen this and don’t know why this is happening or what it is. I did a full tank clean at the end of January or beginning of February. My tank stays around 75% humidity and around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. I see/hear my crabs playing around in the early morning. There are 3 one is the size of a dime with her shell on she’s tiny, another is like the size of a quarter with her shell and the biggest one is like double that size, but she’s still really small too. I really love these crabs and want the best for them. I need my crabs to live a very good and healthy life. I don’t know how to add pictures of my tank but Hopefully I can get some friendly help/advice. Thanks in advance.

[aussieJJDude]

Different colours usually mean different things. What cooour is it exactly?

Green - likely to be algae, its harmless
Orange - substrate contains some iron in it (happened to me with a bag of sand in the past....)
Black - anaerobic bacteria, usually a sign of flooding (very bad!)


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[Daniellebusone22]

It’s turning orange in certain spots

[Daniellebusone22]

I use eco earth coconut fiber substrate.

[Daniellebusone22]

Is there any way to send you a photo through this

[Daniellebusone22]

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0VyuHwz ... gNapg#Home

[Daniellebusone22]

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0d7f96r ... GsJ4A#Home

[Motörcrab]

Could it just be dry spots from when you mixed the substrate? I know Eco Earth gets a bit darker once it get wet.

[Daniellebusone22]

That’s what I thought but it seems to be wet. I’m going to keep an eye on it. Can’t really touch my tank because I think my tiny one is molting. I can’t find anything about this online and haven’t experienced this yet up until now.

[Daniellebusone22]

Also there is no abnormal odor either.

[wodesorel]

It's looking like dry or not fully expanded patches to me as well. I think keeping an eye on it is a good call.

You generally won't smell anything until the substrate is disturbed if there is a problem, so don't go by that!

[Daniellebusone22]

Thank you. I’m definitely going to keep an eye on it and I’ll update you on my findings.

[Oliviet#1]

I hope you figure it out and it goes well!

[Daniellebusone22]

I’ve been watching my tank and the orange spots are getting smaller and turning to the color of the eco earth substrate. I saw Ziggy my tiny crab 2 days ago so her molt went good. I am going to change my crabitat this month and make sure I really mix the substrate thoroughly and not put too much water when I’m misting the tank.