algae on sand&gravel

[at]

I always see photos in books and on-line of sparkling white sand & gravel.In my tank the gravel is green and the sand constantly turns red. Any ideas?

[graphixx]

how long have you had your tank set up and how much current do you have in there and how much do you feed?? there are a lot of things that can contribute to excessive algae n a tank.

[at]

I have had the tank set up for a year now. There are two returns from the sump which are powered by a 900 gph pump and I have 2 300 gph powerheads in the tank also. The red sand just started about 1 month ago and that is when I added a second powerhead and changed the tubes in the light fixture. They are 2 96watt VHO & 2 96 watt dual actinics. I feed the fish once a day during the week and twice a day on weekends. Each time they are fed it is maybe 1/2 to 3/4 a cube of assorted frozen foods.

[graphixx]

it could be cause you changed out the bulbs, that can happen when you change out the bulbs.

[jerryc]

it could be cause you changed out the bulbs, that can happen when you change out the bulbs.

Graphic is right on especially if you let the lamps get old before changing

[at]

I changed the lamps and added a powerhead after the algae started to grow. I added 2 dozen snails & 2dozen hermit crabs for a total of 3 doz. each , and they really seme to be helping. Do you guys think I could add 3-4 doz. more of each. I have read not to keep more than one hermit crab for every 10 gallons. Thanks for all your advice.

[mattsfishin2989]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#since when do astreas eat red algae#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[KG]

Sounds like high phosphates and maybe high nitrates to me. Especially since you've recently changed bulbs and added more water circulation with the power heads. Here's some things that could help:
1. Change more water more often
2. If you have a skimmer, turn it up so it produces a wet skimmate instead of a dry foam.
3. Try dialingback your lighting. Even a few hours can make a big difference.
4.Feed less and less often
5. Rinse the frozen food really well with oldSW before feeding and never add the "juice" to your tank
6. Be sure to use only RO/DI or distilled water only not only for water changes but fortop-offs as well.
7. As a last resort, add a phosphate binder. I'd use about half a bag at firstwhile keeping an eye out for any adverse reactions for your inhabitants. There's also a product called Chemi-Clean that works pretty well.

Good luck!