What is this alge?

[Theo15]

What is this alge all over the sand bed and power heads? How do I get rid of it ?

 

[Cory]

Is it hard to remove or blows off? Hard to remove sounds like corraline algae. Easy to remove is cyano

 

[Theo15]

No it's not hard to move, a stir of the sand and it's gone

 

[Cory]

Okay look up cyanobacteria and tell me if its that. Cyano is hard to get rid of

 

[Theo15]

I don't think it's cyano , cyano usually forms thick layers but this isn't thick at all ,it's more brown than purple like cyano

 

[Cory]

Okay look up diatoms reef. It looks purple.

 

[Theo15]

I know , bad picture I tried to get it at an angle

 

[Theo15]

Yea that's it ,any experience with diatoms ?

 

[Cory]

Silicate causes it once it uses it it will die.

 

[Cory]

Silicate mainly comes from tap water. You need to filter it with ro/di.

 

[Amboss72]

Let it burn out. Patience and as previously mentioned the use of ro/di water will zero out the silicate being introduced to the water via water top offs or water changes. Sand sifting critters like sea cucumbers and sea stars also help the to turn the sand bed over. A perfectly white sand bed may be unrealistic as anytime we have nutrients and light algae of one strain or another is possible. Be patient and stay on top of good tank maintenance practices. Over the 37yrs I've been doing this I've come to realize realistic expectations are essential. In reefing and in life. You're doing a great job by paying attention. Intention and attention come into being with time and patience. Turn that sand bed over with creatures that make that their life's business and try to not add more silicate and maybe a white sand will be your reality.