purpish-red growth on glass below sand

Donna357 · 04/21/2015, 12:44 PM

I have noticed a purple-red growth on my glass below the level of the sand...I can clean it off with an algae scraper, but what is it and how can I prevent it from happening? Is it algae?

cloak · 04/21/2015, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna357

Is it algae?

Bingo!

An undisturbed sand bed will most likely develop all kinds of colors on the glass over time. Other than being unsightly, this is totally normal & nothing to worry about. Large patches of black might be another story though.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-12/rhf/index.php

Kyle461 · 04/21/2015, 12:48 PM

I would say Cyanobacteria could be a possibility as well as algae. Either way you should check your levels. Excess phosphates and nitrates could be the cause. Also extended lighting could be the culprit as well.

Donna357 · 04/21/2015, 12:50 PM

Ok, thanks for the info!

One fish · 04/21/2015, 01:19 PM

I also have the same problem. It's a red and green between the sand and glass. Should we try to clean it by stirring the sand bed?

Kyle461 · 04/21/2015, 01:28 PM

If you let the nutrients level out it will take care of itself along with any CUC you may have that can get to it.

04/21/2015, 12:44 PM	#1
Donna357 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 11	purpish-red growth on glass below sand I have noticed a purple-red growth on my glass below the level of the sand...I can clean it off with an algae scraper, but what is it and how can I prevent it from happening? Is it algae?

04/21/2015, 12:48 PM	#3
Kyle461 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 438	I would say Cyanobacteria could be a possibility as well as algae. Either way you should check your levels. Excess phosphates and nitrates could be the cause. Also extended lighting could be the culprit as well. __________________ Nadie me paga en chicles!! Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2485917 Current Tank Info: 40 gallon breeder (2/17/15); 20L 3-chamber sump; Tunze Nano ATO; Hydor 320gph return and Circulation 850 gph; Coralife Super Skimmer 125 G; Marineland 24"-36" Reef LED

04/21/2015, 01:28 PM	#6
Kyle461 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 438	If you let the nutrients level out it will take care of itself along with any CUC you may have that can get to it. __________________ Nadie me paga en chicles!! Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2485917 Current Tank Info: 40 gallon breeder (2/17/15); 20L 3-chamber sump; Tunze Nano ATO; Hydor 320gph return and Circulation 850 gph; Coralife Super Skimmer 125 G; Marineland 24"-36" Reef LED

04/21/2015, 12:50 PM	#4
Donna357 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 11	Ok, thanks for the info!

04/21/2015, 01:19 PM	#5
One fish Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Springfield Va Posts: 297	I also have the same problem. It's a red and green between the sand and glass. Should we try to clean it by stirring the sand bed?