algae growth on sandbed ?

[hybridazn]

i am noticing a lot of algae growth on my sandbed and was wondering what would be the easiest way to clean it up? i tried using a vacuum tube but all that seemed to do was sift the sand and not pick up much of the algae. any other ideas would be greatly appreciated!

thanks in advance!

 

[acer]

IS IT A NEW TANK? You may need more flow over the sand bed. OR a clean up crew to stir the bed better if it is not a new tank. Removal by hand may be necessary. You may be over feeding as well for the amount of microfauna in the system - thus leaving extra nutrients for the algae. My son's new setup is doing the same thing= normal for a new tank cycle.

 

[the2ofus]

^^^^^^

+1

 

[cloakerpoked]

Yeah, it depends on what kind of algea it is. If it's brownish colored, then it's just normal. If it's slimy, then you need to do something about it.

 

[hybridazn]

it is green algae mostly, with some coraline as well. i have been removing some by hand. i will try to get more flow over the sand to see if that helps. its not out of control or anything, just doesnt look that good.

the tank has been set up for about 2 months, almost 3. only started this problem about 2 weeks ago.

 

[acer]

yea- that is still a "new" Tank - normal cycling between different microfauna/algae. maybe a algae eater fish would help as well.

 

[LeviChar1]

Cerith snails. they burrow and move the sand. Do not go this route if you have hermit crabs or wrasses...........or you wont have the snails for long. If you buy an alge fish, be careful.....some types eat more than just alge.....

sand sifting blennies might help.

 

[hybridazn]

i picked up some sand sifting crabs. seem to be doing a nice job of keeping the sand clean. also i am in the process of picking up another powerhead to flow over the sand.

 

[TomNeely]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15029186#post15029186 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LeviChar1
Cerith snails. they burrow and move the sand. Do not go this route if you have hermit crabs or wrasses...........or you wont have the snails for long. If you buy an alge fish, be careful.....some types eat more than just alge.....

sand sifting blennies might help.

I have cerith snails that breed in my tank and my 6 line does not eat the young. He just goes after all the pods...

 

[Kimberly63]

What type of water are you using? tap?