Keeping algae off the sand?

[Anonymous]

I have a recently set up 46gal with about 4" of sand. The tank is doing fine, very little hair algae on the rocks, but I'm growing a carpet of algae on the sand. It's not slime algae. Looks like a lawn of grass. I didn't want to disturb the sand bed too much so I have let it alone thus far anyone else experience this?

Glenn

 

[2poor2reef]

This is typical of a new system. Seems that there is an algae cycle almost as certainly as there is a nitrogen cycle. Other than waiting for it to stablize, the solution to algae growth is getting fauna to eat it. I assume that's in your plans soon.

 

[MIKE NY1]

I have a couple of conchs that do a great job on the sand as well other types of snails like cerith and trochus.

Mike

 

[SPC]

Glen, I use conchs and tiger tale cukes for my sand bed, neither one will hurt the bugs in your sand but do a good job keeping the sand clean. I purchased both from Premium Aquatics. Keep in mind that the conchs grow quickly so I would not recommend more than one for your tank.
Steve