Substrate Question

[reefrules]

I know this is an age old question, but I need some advice...

I currently have a 280 Gallon (12 Week Old) saltwater.

The equipment is as follows:
Overflow into below sump
2 bottom holes that go to a Nu-Clear 533 Filter
I also have 4 Powerheads for water movement
UV sterilizer

The contents are as follows:
4 Damsels
5 Green Chromis
1 Tomato Clown
150 Lbs. Live Rock
8 Peppermint Shrimp
4 Emerald Crabs
(Too many to count) Nassarius Snails
50 Cerith Snails

Sorry about all the detail, but I wanted to give you a complete picture...

My question is I have about 3 inches of a sand/crushed coral mixed substrate...

I am getting a red colored alge I assume throughout..

I do not think I am getting the proper mixing and aeration of the substate...

Should I reduce the amount or is there anything that could help me with the mixing and cleaning?

Thanks for your help in advance
ReefRules

 

[Fluff]

Might be cyanobacteria. This would be pretty typical for a tank as young as yours. What type of water are you using? RO/DI or tap? Try looking at your phosphate and nitrate levels. Also, how much flow do you have in the areas where it's starting? Maybe adding another ph or two in those areas could help. Also, you could try a fighting conch to help you turn the sand over.

 

[reefrules]

RO/DI

I appreciate the advice...

I will try the Conch...

Thanks

 

[Fluff]

You could also try some nerite snails. They are one of the few things that eat cyano. Good luck.