What is this on my Sand

[pmcpherson4284]

My tanks about 3 years old now. Anyone know what this is on my Sand? I cant seem to get rid of it.
I use a gravel cleaner when i do my water changes and in a few days it comes back.

Any Recommendations on how to get rid of it, or if their is a critter in particular that will eat it?

 

[beaslbob]

cyano and/or diatoms.

both consume nutrients and use light.

Best way to fight is to establish other things to consume the nutrients. algae (macros, corraline) is the best IMHO.

you can always kill the lights until it dies off. then resume with less lights/feeding and adjust to the good stuff thrives and the uglies don't come back.

my .02

 

[pmcpherson4284]

Thanks Beaslob! I'll back off on Lights and see what happens!

 

[florida joe]

IMO agree its cyano and diatoms. again IMO just backing off of the lights will not do it. you need to cover your tank completely to block off all light

 

[2quills]

They make a product called ChemiClean that I hear works wonders on that stuff. And it's supposed to be reef safe too.

 

[florida joe]

LOL Thanks buddy i needed that today

 

[beaslbob]

Op stated they go away after a water change then come back. Hopefully the tank is almost balanced out to take care of the nutrients now. So reducing the lights would just enough to tip the scales away from the cyano/diatoms.

My .02

 

[2quills]

LOL Thanks buddy i needed that today

Me 2 my friend, me 2.

Op stated they go away after a water change then come back. Hopefully the tank is almost balanced out to take care of the nutrients now. So reducing the lights would just enough to tip the scales away from the cyano/diatoms.

My .02

I had kind of got the impression that the OP was using a gravel cleaner to siphon it out durring water changes and it came back but I may have been reading too far in between the lines.

Totally agree with your suggestions though.

 

[beaslbob]

good point.