Algae crust on DSB

[maiceman]

As my tank starts to settle in I have gone through a number of algae blooms... brown diatoms, green stringy stuff.... some greenish brown leafy stuff..... I know... I will get some pics but here is my question. The blooms have created a crust on the top of my sand bed, should I remove it... let it stay there... or what? Does this prevent the dsb from doing it's job? Mainly I don't like the way it takes away from the bright white sand bed and it's reflective properties.

 

[maiceman]

hhmmmm... nothing huh? Well I am going to pick up some more asteria snails this weekend and see if they can start making a dent in things. I have 8 right now and will add another 8 on Sunday. The ones I have seem to prefer the live rock for grazing instead of the sand bed.

 

[Captain]

Mine does that also. I stir the sand a little looks better for a while. I need more critters also. Later

 

[Hara]

Yesterday, I got a shipment of more cleanup critters. In it, were a couple of horseshoe crabs. I have never been more impressed with the industriousness of anything else I have put in the tank. They are non-stop workers and stir the sandbed like crazy..nice and deep. They act like little bulldozers.

 

[Anemoneman]

A small warning on horseshoe crabs. Do not try and keep a functioning DSB with these. They will empty it of all detrivores VERY quickly. If you don't have or don't want a DSB then they are fascinating creatures to have in the tank. A throw back to prehistoric times. There are fossils of these guys.

 

[michealprater]

Ive had luck with sand sifting stars and diamond gobies. Great sand cleaners.

 

[maiceman]

I got a good buy an some algae eating hermit crabs. $1.85 each. I picked up 4 and they are very busy. Will They also hurt the DSB critters?