Sand algae

[Zero Nitrates]

Can anyone explain why it is that algae starts forming where the sand and glass meet and then spreads from there?
What is it about this area that algae likes?

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Is it green?

 

[mike007]

Nutrients get trapped between the glass and sand. Vacumn sand when you do your water changes and be carefull not to overfeed.

 

[Eienna]

It gets light and, as mentioned, trapped nutrients. Sand-stirrers as part of your cleanup crew would help with that.

 

[Duffam3434]

Do you have a Sterilizer on the Tank? In our very first tank without one we had that problem.. Ever since we addred a the Sterilizer never been a problem again.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Thanks for all the replies.
No sterilizer. What kind do you have? and why do you think it works to keep algae from forming in this area?