sand question

[AB21]

Gotta question for the sand experts out there. When my tank cycled at first a brown algae covered part of the sand. Currently, where that algae was, the sand is now a mixture of light brownish and light green. It is also in clumps and where the current is strong enough, it is flapping up and down. That causes the sand underneath to blow out with the current and settle elsewhere. Much of the other area of the sand looks just fine.

I'm somewhat concerned because when I cycled my 20g the sand did the same routine and red slime algae came next.

I guess my question is - should I try and lift out the clumpy patches of sand or is it beneficial in some way? Thanks -

Adam

[gkmartinez]

it sounds (or reads) like cyanobacteria. Siphon out at water changes, cut back on feeding, rinse out sponges, increase water flow, heavy skimming sit back and wait.;)