Sandbed question

[DaveE]

This is prolly a newbie question, but anyways, here I go

The question, This past few days, there are air bubbles within the sand bed, mostly in the middle layer (sand bed about 2.5" deep), and it seems to build up every day that comes by. Is this normal? I just can't figure how air bubbles get in there, skimmer producing a few micro bubbles, but it seems impossible for them to get through the sand lol, and there seems to be something pinkish in the mid layer forming also, is that normal too? Are they the ones causing all this? My tank has been set up for a little over a month now, it was jump started with 35lbs cured live rank, and 15 lbs of live sand, ans cycled water from an established tank. The live sand was placed above 40lbs of aragonite. Can somebody help me please

[amcarrig]

Perfectly normal. It's impossible for any sandbed to be airtight at that depth Don't know what the "pinkish" thing is without some sort of description. Does it look like a worm?

[reiple]

I think it is supposed to be fine with air bubbles. It's nitrogen gas being released. Sort of.

[DaveE]

Ok, for the description of the pink stuff: it looks like crusted substrate located on the middle layer of the sand bed, hope that helps.

[Craig Manoukian]

DaveE, Welcome to 3reef!

Could possibly be red cyano bacteria in your substrate.

[DaveE]

Red cyano, is that bad? if so, is there anything I can do to get rid of it?

[amcarrig]

Cyanobacteria (red slime algae) is very common in new tanks. I would keep an eye on it and if it goes away, all is well. If it doesn't go away after the tank is "mature", you can start considering your treatment options

Thank you guys for the advice, It a relief to know that nothing abnormal is happening in the tank

[Craig Manoukian]

Cyanobacteria is a combination of algea and bacteria and is one of the finest exporters of phosphates and nitrates. Actually much better than caulerpa. Siphoning it out will ensure the removal of these organics and that is good for your tank. Cyano is our friend!

[reiple]

That's a nice way to look at it Craig! Yes cyano is a phosphate consumer, far better than algae and artificial chemical sponges or stuff. But you have to watch out! If it covers a coral it can killl/choke the coral. Simply siphon it out. Do not blow it around your tank!