How to get rid of green algae on the sand bed

[dnyce]

I tried to switch from 192w PC to 342w MH/PC lights and after 2 days I had to turn them off due to high temperature issues (82F). After switching back to the PC's I noticed a lot of green algae on the sand. Also every other day I have to clean it off the glass, this is a new condition.
I assume it was caused by the high intesity of the MH's. Any suggestions on how to clear up the algae? the 3 large turbo snails and 6 hermit crabs can't keep up.

 

[deelucky]

how old is your tank? and you should post your water parameters.switching of lighting can i believe play a role in the algae bloom,as well as other factors of course.

 

[nanchil]

More flow might help too.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Looks like a diatom bloom, add some nassarius snails and a few more hermits, you can add a sand sifting star if you want as well. I would up the hermit count a few too, but that's cause I like hermits.

 

[leonarsi]

What are your phosphate and nitrate levels? Also would do you use for flow. You will prob need to do a couple of big water changes

 

[drperetz]

...

that looks like ur tank is going through some normal algae phase....

 

[bigyankfan]

I had the same problem - Reef Fantasy suggested a Bullet Goby. My sand is sparkling white now all the time. HTH.

 

[SIReefer]

More flow, a larger cleanup crew w/some sand stirrers & a large water change. What are your tanks water parameters?

 

[dnyce]

The tank is 3 months old I started it on April 1st.
Test conducted tonight a few minutes ago;
ammonia = 0, nitrite = 0, nitrate = 0, ph = 8.4, calcium = 360.
I don't have a tester for phoshates, water flow is a emporer 400 filter, aqua c hob skimmer, and a maxjet 1200 powerhead in the back behind the rocks blowing side to side across the tank because it seems to powerful to put in the front. It appears to create a decent flow for my zoo and hammer coral.
Should I get a smaller powerhead (40br tank) and put it in the front? I do a 5gal water change every two weeks, should I change out more next time? All opinions welcome, thanks.

 

[Bob 1000]

Boost up your water flow and get rid of your sandbed...Just my opinion, a lot people with successful tanks have sandbeds on MR...Also get a good test kit unless you have a denitrfying filter your nitrates probably aren't 00000000000000......Also just my opinion...That green doesn't look to bad also green comes before purple..

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Are you using the biowheel on the 400?

Is this a reef tank?


How often do you do water changes?

 

[dnyce]

Boost up your water flow and get rid of your sandbed...Just my opinion, a lot people with successful tanks have sandbeds on MR...Also get a good test kit unless you have a denitrfying filter your nitrates probably aren't 00000000000000......Also just my opinion...That green doesn't look to bad also green comes before purple..

I'm using the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals liquid kit, the nitrate color looks very close to zero to me, not more than 5ppm. I love my sand, I just want it clean and I'm waiting patiently for the purple coralline algae. I see some spots on the back wall and the rocks are getting there slowly. Anyone know if the blennys will clean sand? Thanks. Here is the link to my original thread

 

[dnyce]

Are you using the biowheel on the 400?

Is this a reef tank?


How often do you do water changes?

Yes I'm using the bio wheels(2), I would like to make it a reef tank eventually, water changes 5 gal every two weeks on a 40br.

Here is the link to my original thread
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/24751-40-gal-breeder-first-salt-water-setup.html

 

[Bob 1000]

I'm using the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals liquid kit, the nitrate color looks very close to zero to me, not more than 5ppm. I love my sand, I just want it clean and I'm waiting patiently for the purple coralline algae. I see some spots on the back wall and the rocks are getting there slowly. Anyone know if the blennys will clean sand? Thanks

Any sand sifters will do but it all takes time... Remember we are all trying to simulate the earth.. and it wasn't created in 1 day ir 1 year for that... Happy Reefing...

 

[PalmTree]

Any sand sifters will do but it all takes time... Remember we are all trying to simulate the earth.. and it wasn't created in 1 day ir 1 year for that... Happy Reefing...

Good point. I think a few sand sifters won't hurt though!

 

[wilrock101]

sand sifting star fish or tiger tail cucumber will do good job they have worked for me in the past. when i switched from 150 mh to 250 mh.good look. also uv sterilizer works pretty good on keeping it down

 

[pEEshEE]

Fighting Conch! But make sure you recycle them, from one friend's tank to another (they have a tremendous appetite) so they don't starve.

Cleaned my sandbed in my 90g in a few days and it remained clean!

 

[carpediem212]

anyone has a fighting conch they want to lend out? I need one for one of my tanks.

 

[jgiordano]

Fighting Conch! But make sure you recycle them, from one friend's tank to another (they have a tremendous appetite) so they don't starve.

Cleaned my sandbed in my 90g in a few days and it remained clean!

Fighting conches are awsome!!! I love mine...

 

[dnyce]

On Tuesday I picked up a Diamond Watchman Goby (his new name is Sandy) from Aquarium Adventure in Glen Cove for $32 tax included and the 25% member discount. He's about 3 inches long and after 20 minutes in the tank he went to work and started cleaning the sand bed. In less than 48 hours he has 3/4 of the sb clean (on the surface), but every time he tries to go to the area in the photos the hippo and the clowns move in just close enough to shoe him away, other than that everyone is getting along fine.