How to get rid of this

[matt.radich]

I am really new to reefing (1st tank), and I have all this nasty stuff in the sand. How do I get rid of it?
View attachment 8021 View attachment 8023

 

[vines]

you can stir up the sand, get sand sifting starfish, nassarius snails, or just pull it out of the sand bed with your hand which is what i would recommend.

 

[MattL]

The only thing that really does the trick is RO/DI water and water change, water change, water change...

 

[303travism]

Tiger conch worked great for me and a sand sifting goby like a diamond goby

 

[matt.radich]

Is there any other goby that will do the trick for it besides a diamond goby

 

[ailachami]

how long has the tank been running. normal if your cycling. will go away when you add cuc.

 

[matt.radich]

Since march, and I had this before, but this is round two and its actually worse than the first time

 

[jahmic]

What do you have for flow in the tank? Where that powerhead is on the right in relation to the rocks, it looks like that is just detritus / algae building up in a dead spot....especially if that's just popping up in certain areas of the tank.

 

[hurrafreak]

Cyano is pretty normal. Flow, lights, and over feeding are usually the three top reasons, besides a tank being new. But since it's been setup since March I doubt that is the issue.

 

[ReeferMatt]

There is some great information out there about Cyano algae, as stated above water change with only RO/DI water, make sure you do not over feed your tank, make sure you have an appropriately stocked tank (not too many fish for the size tank), make sure your bulbs are not past their usable life, Check your nitrates and phosphates and make sure you have enough circulation in the tank to prevent dead spots. Now for treatment, if you are running a reef tank or FOWLR DO NOT use medication with antibiotics such as erythromyacin, as they will kill of your bennaficial bacteria as well (forcing a second cycle). Address any of the issues found in the first portion of my answer (stocking, feeding, RO/DI, circulation, etc), add a clean up crew that will work with the sand bed, and if after all of these things have been examined you can try Chemi-clean. I have used it without issues or loss of livestock, but I have to stress the importance of exhausting your other options first! This is important because if you do not remedy the cause of the outbreak it will come back, even after you treat it chemically. Hope this helps and good luck!