Quick return algae

[Heip]

Hi all, my BioCube 32 has been cycled for about 5 weeks. I syphoned up some reddish/brown algae off the sand during water change today and when I returned 4 hours later it had already returned. Is this normal? Part of the “ugly” stage?

 

[ATB USA]

yes it is normal.

 

[Jekyl]

Normal and going to get worse most likely.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Although of no harm, you can reduce white light intensity and add a few snails such as:
Turbo snail
astrea snail
nassarius snail
cerith snails

6-8 blue leg hermits (the tiny ones) which will help keep it in control during the break in process

 

[Heip]

Thank you all for the replies!