What is this on my sand?

[gordoncheers]

How can I get rid of it?

 

[luxe]

Are you referring to the green algae on your sand or the coral(?) in the corner?

 

[kitti-fish]

Looks like algae. Since your sand is not fine, looks like manual removal of the larger pieces is the only way. I could be wrong. Usually finer sand is preferred for easier removal. You could also get CUC that will scrape the algae off like tuxedo urchins and emerald crabs, but they have pros and cons and you need adequate tank size. Also check your parameters as there may be too much nutrition in the water. Best of luck! Maybe someone with more experience has a better idea of a solution.

 

[gordoncheers]

the green algae

Are you referring to the green algae on your sand or the coral(?) in the corner?

 

[kevgib67]

the green algae

How old is this tank?

 

[luxe]

the green algae

It’s algae. Like kitti-fish said it’s more noticeable on the sand bed because of the size of the substrate. If the tank is new it’s part of the ugly stage. I’d be more concerned with the rock work than the substrate. Have you scrubbed the rocks and siphoned out the growth? To me it looks like a fairly new tank.

 

[kevgib67]

the green algae

This starts out in most new aquariums although I see you’ve been a member since 2021. This looks similar in my tank when it was new, cause no problems and went away on its own in a short amount of time.

 

[gordoncheers]

its turning 5 months old

How old is this tank

 

[kevgib67]

its turning 5 months old

Looks like the same that showed up in my tank early on. If it is it will be short lived and go away on its own.

 

[JonoH]

its turning 5 months old

Just in time for the uglies!

 

[luxe]

its turning 5 months old

I would first test the parameters. Then scrub the rocks with a brush and siphon as much of that algae out and obviously replace with new saltwater.
Do you have CUC? Some turbo snails will keep the algae in check. For fish, depending on tank size, I personally love the lawnmower blenny (I have had them in my 25 g frag tank and 120 DT).
After 48 hours test parameters again and see where your levels are at. Then go from there. The algae on the sub will eventually get coralline due to its larger size.
Main thing is staying on top of the algae that get too much for the inverts and fish to touch. Hope this helps

 

[Gumbies R Us]

The algae looks similar to the start of the ugly phase. I would up your CUC in your tank. What are your parameters?