cleaning the sand (1 Viewer)

[KarenHorn]

We had a nice bloom of gross brown algae. I understand this is to be expected of a new tank. Well the turbos have done a great job of working on the sides of the tank and the rocks. What critter would be good for the sand? The top layer of our sand is an ugly brown

 

[Guest]

Hermits...

 

[Guest]

We had a nice bloom of gross brown algae. I understand this is to be expected of a new tank. Well the turbos have done a great job of working on the sides of the tank and the rocks. What critter would be good for the sand? The top layer of our sand is an ugly brown

My 65 was recently set up it was about 6 weeks before the brown algae started to go away. Right about the time my nitrates& nitrites were at 0. I also added one more 250w mh to the tank in the same week. This could of helped but not sure. What lighting are you using?

 

[Cakepro]

I always just stirred the sand gently, turning it over so the algae got buried. It will pass with time.

~ Sherri

 

[KarenHorn]

Thanks for the advice! Can't go with the hermits, the wife hates them.

I'll try stirring the sand. I thought maybe a sand sifting sea star might help, but Karen is worried it will make the rock work unstable.

Currently we're using VHO 320w. Hallides will be up and running the end of this month

 

[Guest]

I got a sandsifter goby at Aq. Cntr the other day. It's doing a good job in stirring up the sand. Not sure about the common name...could be called a scooter blenny or goby?

 

[Guest]

I always just stirred the sand gently, turning it over so the algae got buried. It will pass with time.

~ Sherri

Sherri is right your most effective method is your hand in a minute you can do what it takes a lot of animals to do. The best animal to add is a Fighting Conch to eat it. Sand sifting stars tend to decimate the cool things that live in the sand. Be prepared Metal Halide and a new tank = lots of nasty brown algae, however it is followed by great coral growth.
Best of Luck,
Tom