Cleaning LS

[miafish]

I typically clean the LS with one of those gravel cleaners that siphon the water out. I've done it a couple of times to clean out this reddish brownish algae in the sand bed. I know there is beneficial bacteria in the LS so is it wise to be cleaning the sand every time I do a water change (about once a week)?

 

[theappe]

You shouldnt be doing that. That reddish brown stuff is not normal. Means something is off in your tank.

 

[dmjordan]

vaccuuming the sandbed is removing the beneficial bacteria...not a good idea.
is the reddish brown algae slime algae? check you nitrates and phosphate levels to see if either one or both is high.

 

[miafish]

I have been having issues with high nitrates so that might be the problem. I'll try and post a pic of what I am talking about. Its not really slime looking.