Slimy algae

[Lithy]

Hello-
my tank is about 3 months old and the set up is described in the signature. I have been fighting this brown, slimy algae that grown like crazy on the sandy substrate in the brightly lit portion of tank. It does not grow anywhere else. You can't pick it upwith your fingers...itis like a slime. So I just try to scrape off the very top of the sandy substrare but it comes back within 2 days.
Nitrate and Phosphate are at 0. pH 8.3. kH ~10. Temp ~80F. I even added a phosphate sponge remover in the refugium baffles downstream from the macroalgae that I keep in there (lit 24h/day although somewhat dimly). I try to cover the tank when I am not home to minimize light exposure of the DT outside of the photoperiod (8h/day).

The pictures below shows a new growth after 2 days.

http://picasaweb.google.com/ale.rugge/AlgaeAndTangDisease/photo#5078381701212168306
http://picasaweb.google.com/ale.rugge/AlgaeAndTangDisease/photo#5078381726981972098

Is this normal for a tank this age? What shall I do? When will this go away?

Thanks.

 

[kkyyllee]

its cyano algea, you could try a 3 day lights out period that worked for me or get a power head to blow across the sand where it is that will help

 

[demonsp]

More sand sifting critters is needed. The sand needs to be moved around to prevent this. Some hermits ,snails and a goby would help. Also better flow. What type of cleanup crew do you have ?

 

[drummereef]

Limit nutrients, more flow, more skimming. The lights out for 3 days will work, but you need to eliminate the nutrient issue first.