Green Hair Algae on sand bed only!

barrysalt · 01/04/2015, 04:06 PM

In my 180 gal reef tank, hair algae under control on all surfaces--except the sand bed! Every day I have to pluck out clumps of algae, which also depletes the sand level. I have a GFO sock in the sump,and a hang-on refugium with macro algae. Why is this only on my sand bed, and how can I rid myself of this nuisance? Thanks for any help...

Maxxingout · 01/04/2015, 06:45 PM

What do you use for flow? Might be stagnent down low.

Reef Frog · 01/04/2015, 09:16 PM

Could the sand bed be loaded with nutrients? Is it old and-or a deep sand bed? I also agree the flow may be slack on the bottom.

Sand sifting snails might help over time. A fighting conch may be perfect for your tank if you have enough open sand bed available.

Anthony Reefer · 01/04/2015, 10:33 PM

Sand sifting seems like the answer, whether it is a snail(s), a starfish, or my recommendation a sand sifting goby, like the orange spot diamond goby.

Also do you have a tang in the tank as that might be the reason it is only on the sand.

barrysalt · 01/05/2015, 06:46 PM

I have good flow, using two Hydor powerheads. A handful of snails, two scooter blennys, several tangs (Yellow and Chevron)--so I'm still a bit puzzled why I get such heavy clumps on the sand. Sand bed is only about an inch to inch and a half thick. Really could use some suggestions! Thanks...

01/04/2015, 04:06 PM	#1
barrysalt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Warren, Ohio Posts: 274	Green Hair Algae on sand bed only! In my 180 gal reef tank, hair algae under control on all surfaces--except the sand bed! Every day I have to pluck out clumps of algae, which also depletes the sand level. I have a GFO sock in the sump,and a hang-on refugium with macro algae. Why is this only on my sand bed, and how can I rid myself of this nuisance? Thanks for any help... __________________ I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy. Current Tank Info: mngr of 3 tanks, 8,000 gals total

01/04/2015, 10:33 PM	#4
Anthony Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Roseburg, Oregon Posts: 120	Sand sifting seems like the answer, whether it is a snail(s), a starfish, or my recommendation a sand sifting goby, like the orange spot diamond goby. Also do you have a tang in the tank as that might be the reason it is only on the sand. __________________ Keep on Reef'in Current Tank Info: I do not have a tank yet as they are very $$$ and I am only 16, But I have been able to afford a lot of information on them.

01/05/2015, 06:46 PM	#5
barrysalt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Warren, Ohio Posts: 274	hair algae in sand bed only I have good flow, using two Hydor powerheads. A handful of snails, two scooter blennys, several tangs (Yellow and Chevron)--so I'm still a bit puzzled why I get such heavy clumps on the sand. Sand bed is only about an inch to inch and a half thick. Really could use some suggestions! Thanks... __________________ I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy. Current Tank Info: mngr of 3 tanks, 8,000 gals total

01/04/2015, 06:45 PM	#2
Maxxingout Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Mentor Oh. Posts: 260	What do you use for flow? Might be stagnent down low.

01/04/2015, 09:16 PM	#3
Reef Frog Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,121	Could the sand bed be loaded with nutrients? Is it old and-or a deep sand bed? I also agree the flow may be slack on the bottom. Sand sifting snails might help over time. A fighting conch may be perfect for your tank if you have enough open sand bed available.