Algae on sand

[iHateReefs]

My tank is about 4 months old and I am starting to develop algae in my sand. I currently have no other algae in the tank just what you see in the picture. It’s almost like a mat of algae and it clumps up the sand. Any idea or what I can do to get rid of this algae. It is not red nor is it bubble or hairy. All parameters are just fine.

 

[Jekyl]

Can you please list actual parameters and take a pic with white lighting? Without details it's hard to give advice.

 

[iHateReefs]

My tank is about 4 months old and I am starting to develop algae in my sand. I currently have no other algae in the tank just what you see in the picture. It’s almost like a mat of algae and it clumps up the sand. Any idea or what I can do to get rid of this algae. It is not red nor is it bubble or hairy. All parameters are just fine.

I will grab a picture when I’m home.

Salinity - .25
Phosphate - .10
Nitrates - 13
Cal - 416
Mag - 1320
Alk - 11
Ph - 7.9 (I know alittle low)

 

[Glenner’sreef]

If you want something to do to be proactive. Syphon your sandbed. It appears to be Diatoms. Harmless. Should be gone soon. By themselves. Consider your amount of flow in your tank as well. No dead spots if you can pull that off.

 

[iHateReefs]

If you want something to do to be proactive. Syphon your sandbed. It appears to be Diatoms. Harmless. Should be gone soon. By themselves. Consider your amount of flow in your tank as well. No dead spots if you can pull that off.

I figured it might be diatoms just wanted to double check. I appreciate it thank you. I have a crazy amount of flow I just believe it might be “new tank” problems haha.

 

[Glenner’sreef]

I figured it might be diatoms just wanted to double check. I appreciate it thank you. I have a crazy amount of flow I just believe it might be “new tank” problems haha.

Yup! Spot on. Enjoy.

 

[PapaFishRocks]

Welcome to the ‘Ugly Phase’ of new tanks.

Don’t beat yourself up chasing pH. 7.9 is fine.

 

[iHateReefs]

Welcome to the ‘Ugly Phase’ of new tanks.

Don’t beat yourself up chasing pH. 7.9 is fine.

Yeah I was thinking about adding a scrubber just because why not. Wouldn’t hurt to have it at 8.1

 

[Jekyl]

I will grab a picture when I’m home.

Salinity - .25
Phosphate - .10
Nitrates - 13
Cal - 416
Mag - 1320
Alk - 11
Ph - 7.9 (I know alittle low)

Without the details and a clear white light pics it's usually either diatoms or dinos. So I just needed a little more. How is your clean up crew?

Always remember through this that algae is normal. It's not something you should eradicate. Instead, try to manage.

 

[Matt Bravo]

Looks like diatoms as others have said, just get a conch and lower lights a bit for a few days if your very desperate to get rid of it.
Best of luck

 

[iHateReefs]

Without the details and a clear white light pics it's usually either diatoms or dinos. So I just needed a little more. How is your clean up crew?

Always remember through this that algae is normal. It's not something you should eradicate. Instead, try to manage.

Ok. Yeah I just siphoned out as much as possible. It’s just on the sand nothing more. Everything in the tank is happy so I guess I’ll leave it and see what happens. I have over 30 snails and hermits

 

[iHateReefs]

Looks like diatoms as others have said, just get a conch and lower lights a bit for a few days if your very desperate to get rid of it.
Best of luck

Ok thank you I appreciate it. I will probably just let it ride out and siphon out as much as possible without stirring it up.

 

[Jekyl]

Ok. Yeah I just siphoned out as much as possible. It’s just on the sand nothing more. Everything in the tank is happy so I guess I’ll leave it and see what happens. I have over 30 snails and hermits

What size tank and what types of snails? This is really just the tip of the iceberg as far as the uglies go.

 

[iHateReefs]

What size tank and what types of snails? This is really just the tip of the iceberg as far as the uglies go.

It’s a 300 gallon and I have trochus and Mexican turbos

 

[Jekyl]

It’s a 300 gallon and I have trochus and Mexican turbos

Going to need way more than that coming up soon. If in the US check out reefcleaners.org and get a package for about half your tank size. Will add some more diversity.

 

[PapaFishRocks]

Going to need way more than that coming up soon. If in the US check out reefcleaners.org and get a package for about half your tank

Just recently got a crew from Reef Cleaners and have been very happy with the results.

 

[iHateReefs]

Going to need way more than that coming up soon. If in the US check out reefcleaners.org and get a package for about half your tank size. Will add some more diversity.

Ok thank you! I will check that out now.

Just recently got a crew from Reef Cleaners and have been very happy with the results.

Sounds good I’m checking out the crews now. Thanks for all the help!