Black algea/bacteria on sand how do i get rid of it

[Neal]

I've had the black algea on my sand on and off for a month and half. I did find out its actually bactieria. I've cleaned it out I've directed my water flow on to it I've used EM tablets witch seem to work for a few days and then it returns. Ivehave corals and other inverts so I need somthing reef safe, any ideas?

 

[Anonymous]

Cyanobacteria, yep. The place to start is with nutrient control (nitrate, phosphate). I'd do some big water changes.

 

[Anonymous]

I've had the black algea on my sand on and off for a month and half. I did find out its actually bactieria. I've cleaned it out I've directed my water flow on to it I've used EM tablets witch seem to work for a few days and then it returns. Ivehave corals and other inverts so I need somthing reef safe, any ideas?

How long has this tank been set up?
The safest and quickest way to get rid of it is copepods. A seeded well established tank will have sufficient numbers of copepods to consume cyanobacteria and keep it in check. One of the safest cures is to seed your tank by getting a few scoops of live sand from an established reef tank and letting your pod population grow.

Regards,
David Mohr