Brown Algae on Sandbed

My Nitrates are at 0 to 0.5 ppm mark and I still have this brown algae on my sandbed. Ive heard pf someone having the same problem and it was there carbon bag that was never changed. Ive never changed my carbon

 

it probably could help to change your carbon but it looks like possibly diatoms and cyano

 

It's pretty common, look into nassarius snails or fighting coach's that help turn your sand bed. Ofcourse you have to make sure they get enough to eat but they have worked great for me. I run GFO and I never read any nitrates but I would get that brown on the sand bed. You can also siphon the sand bed during a water change but I prefer the snails.

 

Have you tested your Phos as it is possible you may have a high reading which can cause this, also sometimes by changing the length of time your light are on or a different strength can sometimes make it go away. These are just a couple of simple things worth trying.


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Ok thanks so much for the help. I thinl that my problem is that i need more nassirus snails

 

How about some sand shifting starfish.


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I'd stay away from starfish, they'll just starve slowly in your tank. Snails are a better choice IMO. I have zero phosphate and nitrate since I've been running biopellets and GFO for years. I still get brown algae from time to time. How long is your photo period and what type of light/spectrum are they? Old T5 bulbs can cause this as well.

 

I have a Kessil a150w led and I used to have Flouresent bulbs and would still have this brown algae. I might look into the seastar. What kind of care do they need? And will my lantern Basslet bother him?

 

I have had experience with sand sifting stars. I didn't listen to advice I was given and ended up losing a few in my tank. The link below has the specifics on their care.

http://m.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497 2857 572&pcatid=572

 

I would stay clear of a sand sifting starfish. It will starve very slowly and bury itself in your sanded to decay and cause further issues within your tank. Snails, good maintenance habits and patience will take care of your problem. Most reef tanks that you see that are spotless have been thoroughly cleaned before the photo shoot, brown on the sand is going to happen. They mainly feed on the fauna in your sand bed that your tank actually needs as well.