Black Algae on Sand Bed

[MartyD]

My tank is a mess. I have a shallow sand bed (about 2") in my 180 gal. reef. I keep getting a coating a black algae over the sand bed. I do not think it is cyno algae (bacteria). When you stir it up, it is almost like crust over the sand. It grows in both shaded and "sunny" areas. My skimmer is too small (Aqua Medic Turboflotor 1000) and I am upgrading it. I am not big on testing the water ... I know, no lectures please! I have the test kits, I just don't use them. If anyone has any thoughts as to what is causing the problem, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks in advance.

Marty

 

[Anonymous]

I'd say it's probably a combo of excess nutrients and insufficient flow. Upgrading your skimmer will help a lot, as will adding a powerhead or two.

 

[liquid]

Sounds like it's probably cyanobacteria. Any way you can get us a pic of what it looks like?

Shane