sand bed clean

[dicemanj]

I have a 55 gallon reef, everything is staying clean except the sand bed. It is coverd in brown algea, what can I add to clean the sand bed, i have the LFS getting me a conch, but what else.

 

[ntvflgirl]

Could it be diatoms? Do you have new lights? Newly cycled tank?

 

[bigarn]

It's diatoms...do you have good waterflow throughout the tank? Any PH's? If you have fish in there the lack of a cleaner crew is contributing to it. Cut back on lighting and if you have fish, don't overfeed. Do 10% weekly water changes with RO/DI water only. Stick to it and it will clear up .

 

[dicemanj]

okay, I changed lights about a 6weeks ago, 2 weeks ago changed to LS from CC, it is diatoms. I have snails and crabs, but they stay mostly on the LR and glass. I only feed every other day, only two fish, 1-2 inch yellow tang, and a 1-2 inch maroon clown. how long should the lights be on. I have a RTBA, and several other corals.

 

[bigarn]

Try cutting the lighting time in half...but do it gradually, maybe 1hr a week until it clears up. Once it clears up gradually bring the light time back to normal.
This is only my opinion.
I also suggest getting PH's :yes:

 

[dicemanj]

I currently use a fluval 404, I have 2 power heads, and a bio wheel 330 filled with LR rubble to use as circulation also. The PHs are about 4 inches from the top in caddy corners of the tank pointing the long way. SHould one of therse be moved to the bottom of the tank to blow directly accross the sand?

 

[squidd]

Are you using Tap Water ??...Switch to RO...

 

[dicemanj]

Ro water from the store

 

[bigarn]

I'd lower 1 PH so it blows water across the middle of the tank (lengthwise). Any lower and it might start kicking up sand. Keep the other for surface movement.