Black slime algae

[Sexytang]

I’m in the middle of cycling a tank been cycling a week and a half and this black looking slime started growing on my sand.

What should I do

 

[fishski13]

Kind of looks like cyano but might be wrong.

 

[Dan_P]

I’m in the middle of cycling a tank been cycling a week and a half and this black looking slime started growing on my sand.

What should I do

This kind of growth seems to be happening too early. Is this used sand?

 

[Sexytang]

Yes forgot to say I bought the tank the owner had the tank going for 7 months with the 40lb of sand that was in the tank

 

[Sexytang]

Would lights out help clear this up

 

[Dan_P]

Would lights out help clear this up

Lights out might minimize the growth.

If the sand was not thoroughly washed, there will be organic matter from dead organisms that will continue to be digested by bacteria which in term will supply nutrients to other bacteria and photosynthetic organisms. This is not bad except it might feed nuisance organisms like diatoms, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria and algae. This sort of growth was going to happen anyway. It just started early for your system.

 

[Dburr1014]

I’m in the middle of cycling a tank been cycling a week and a half and this black looking slime started growing on my sand.

What should I do

Suck it out with turkey baster.
Stir some 25% of the sand or vacuum it (preferably) every few days or twice a week while doing a water change.
Add some flow to the effected areas.

Need to clean the sand and add flow.