Bubble algae?

[Ckparent]

I found this growing on my sand and I was wondering if it was the beginning of red bubble algae. It doesn’t have any color, but the sand under it is red

 

[blaxsun]

Yes, it does look like bubble algae.

 

[vetteguy53081]

It’s sir bubbles trying to escape bacterial algae known as cyano
Onexx CD way to confirm is to blow on this with a turkey baster
Air bubbles should dislodge
Bubble algae will not
Be prepared to siphon loose mess or you siphon it and air bubbles will escape with cyano mats

 

[Ckparent]

Do you think I should just clean the sand, or will the problem resurface?

 

[mdb_talon]

Do you think I should just clean the sand, or will the problem resurface?

Generally cyano will reappear quickly if this original cause is not identified and resolved (high nutrients/low flow/inadequate "good" bacteria). siphoning that out though is a good first step and see what happens. How old is the tank?

 

[Ckparent]

The tank just turned three months old. Both of my fish died from an ich infestation. But I was told to keep feeding the tank to keep the good bacteria alive, and so every 3 days I add some brine shrimp to the tank.