Algae in live sand?

[Sweetleaf79]

Hey all! Was wondering if anyone knew what this was? I've had my tank running for about 5 months and just noticed this dark green in the sand bed. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[SeanMonster]

Is it on the glass or the sand? I get spots on the glass sometimes below the sand/water line. I usually clean it when I vacuum and PWC.

 

[Lumis]

I have a lil of that also. I have not messed with it. So great question.

 

[Marquis]

Hard to tell from the pic is it in the sand or on the glass?

 

[Sweetleaf79]

Hmm yes I guess maybe it is on the glass. Its not anywhere else. On one side there is something similar but it's pink. Should I just leave it be or try to scrape the glass below the sand?

 

[Convict2161]

Hmm yes I guess maybe it is on the glass. Its not anywhere else. On one side there is something similar but it's pink. Should I just leave it be or try to scrape the glass below the sand?

You can try and stick your hand in there, see if it just wipes away. Worth a try right?

 

[Convict2161]

Let us know what you come up with. I looked again. Maybe in your sand bed. Can you try and stir it up a bit? Lightly not too much.

 

[Sweetleaf79]

I will mess with it when I get home, I will try to wipe it away first, then maybe stir the sand a little if that doesn't work. Thank you guys so much! I will let you know how it goes.

 

[My Little Ocean]

Pink/red = cyano. brown = diatoms. How long have you had your tank? Did you wash your sand before putting it in?

 

[severum mama]

The topic of this thread is Sweetleaf79's algae identification and/or resolution if necessary. Any chit chat can be taken to private messaging, or we also have a chat room if you are so inclined. Off topic posts have been deleted. Further off topic posting will result in thread closure.

Finally, I must mention that the same rules apply to Private Messaging and Chat Room as apply to the AA Forum. Please keep that in mind.

Thank you for understanding.

 

[Convict2161]

Any results?

 

[Sweetleaf79]

I have had the tank up for about 5 months. No I didn't wash the sand, eek! Was I supposed to? I got the sand in the bag with water, I think coralife, something like that.

 

[Sweetleaf79]

I'm not home just yet, probably a few more hours.

 

[Convict2161]

I have had the tank up for about 5 months. No I didn't wash the sand, eek! Was I supposed to? I got the sand in the bag with water, I think coralife, something like that.

It's always a good idea to wash the sand. I don't think it's gonna hurt anything that you didn't IMO but usually yes you wanna give it a good cleaning.

 

[My Little Ocean]

Just that it maybe diatoms feeding on the silicates from the unwashed sand

 

[Sweetleaf79]

I rubbed if with my finger, does seem like it was on the glass but I had moved it with my finger do it just ended up mixing with the sand :/

 

[Convict2161]

I rubbed if with my finger, does seem like it was on the glass but I had moved it with my finger do it just ended up mixing with the sand :/

Sounds like your ok. Maybe diatoms. I had it bad in my newly cycled Cichlid tank. Then it just took care of itself after some water changes.

 

[jsl118]

Algea in the live sand

I used to have somewhat the same problem until I bought a Black lined Sleeper Goby. That guy is a work horse and keeps my live sand clean! He has tripled in size since I got him 5 months ago.

 

[My Little Ocean]

I wouldn't recommend a goby in such a young tank as they can be finicky eaters but after a year they'll keep your sand clean

 

[Marquis]

nassarius snails are awesome for stirring up the sand and eating uneaten food and they look awesome when they emerge