Shadowed spots in sand

[megabyte]

I notices that in my sand bed in a few places it is getting a bit darker, possibly green or brown algae. To small to tell. This is a new tank, is this normal. Also, how can I clean the sand bed of debris. Syphon? Vacuum? It is a big tank so I am lloking for the most practical way.

 

[tdp]

Well you could get some creatures that stirs the sand or you could just take a plastic tube or something like that and stick it in the sand and stir it. Hope that helps.
tom

 

[megabyte]

Thanks tom, do you recommens any startfish or anything like that?

 

[kappadoku]

Its probably brown diatoms. Their a good sign, and good food for that cleanup crew or a goby.

 

[tdp]

There is a starfish that is really good for stiring the sand but I don't remeber the name. Sorry, can anyone else answer this question?
Tom
[ April 16, 2001: Message edited by: TDP ]

 

[burnnspy]

It is brown diatoms, my brittle star and scarlet hermits play with the gravel. I still have a dust layer on the gravel because I only have 4 hermits and a brittle star in the 29gal tank. If I had more hermits they would prolly keep it much cleaner.
BurnNSpy

 

[cactus jack]

algae is always gonna show up. lots of different inverts will help to stir the sand. or you can get yourself a jawfish or sleeper goby. they will keep your substrate looking brand new everyday.

 

[megabyte]

Thanks everyone for your help!!

 

[nm reef]

I've got a dragon goby(doby the goby) that housekeeps for us.....he cleans the top layer all day long.....does a good job....and a kewl fish to watch.........