Black Algae on Sand?

[intenseimage]

Black Algae On Sand?

Tank has been up and running for a few months now with little to no issue but over the past 2 days I noticed a tiny bit of cyano on the sand and what looks like black algae.

I did a 5 gallon wc (75g tank), cranked up the skimmer a bit to pull slightly more wet, changed out the Phosban (hadnt been changed since Fed so I KNOW that needed it) and will be changing out the carbon in that reactor tonight.

The one thing I didnt do yet was test for ammonia, nitrates, etc

Also made sure to tell the wife to cut down on feeding since she likes to go a bit heavy at times

Any other tips, suggestions, info on what that black stuff is?

 

[mbbuna]

is the black stuff on top of the sand or under the sand?

 

[nancymccall]

Is the algae growing like a blanket on the sand or is it hairy?

 

[intenseimage]

The black stuff is growing on top of the sand ... although it looks like there might be some "under" the sand that is visible thru the glass


Yes its growing like a blanket

 

[mbbuna]

whats on top of the sand is probably cyanobacteria, it can be many different colors. i would siphon it out when ever you see it and increase flow in the area its growing.

what you see under the sand might be hydrogen sulfide

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-12/rhf/index.php