Brown coming up through sand....

[Anonymous]

We have had this happen a few different times, and the last time, it turned into an all out weird algae growth or something to that effect. I'm not sure what to do to control it.

It will turn into sheets of this brownish/almost purple and just get darker..

it's a sheet of algae or something...But I'm not sure what type of algae.
It will eventually take over the entirety of the surface of the sand, cover liverock, and then cover the glass too...

Air can bubble up underneath it, and break through the sheet, and then there are strips of this algae floating up towards the surface.

We have tried everything from leaving it alone- hoping it would take care of itself, doing partial water changes, and completely starting our tank over because of it. Right now we have it in a 30 gallon tank that has only been set up for a couple of weeks.. with no fish. Just about 10 blue legged crabs, live rock, and live sand.... So it won't be THAT big of a deal if we have to start OVER again... But why does this keep happening, and what can we do about it?

THANKS!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Here is the discoloration you can see it on the bottom left of the screen and a bit through the center.

 

[mr_X]

that's called cyanobacteria. it's really not an algae at all.
http://netclub.athiel.com/cyano/cyanos2.htm


you can read all about it in that link.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks a ton. =)

 

[Anonymous]

In accordance to the article we have been looking for a protein skimmer on ebay to get an idea of it. Found quite a few but was wondering what you fine folk recommend. We've been looking at ones with the venturi system. So any advice on size and brand would be much appreciated.

Also we have a 30gal. tank with a emperor overhead power filter that came with our 55gal starter kit.... We aren't using the 55gal right now. We also have a 6in air stone connected to the air pump. Approx 20lbs of liverock and about 2inches of livesand on the bottom. Just to give you an idea of what we are working with.

Raul and Amber

 

[S!mon]

I also have a 30 gal and after alot of shopping I bought a Euro Reef RS80.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd get rid of running any type of air into the system, it creates a LOT of salt creep (and after many years of exposure it really messes up my arms). Try power heads directed to create turbulence at the water's surface.

It's been too many years since I've done a home setup, so I can't recommend a skimmer for home use. There are plenty here who can help with that, though.

 

[mr_X]

Raul..be careful on ebay. cheap prices may equal a junky skimmer. try asking in the nano forum about skimmers for that size tank.

 

[Anonymous]

ok will do!

 

[Anonymous]

ok will do!