1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

How to keep sand white/clean????

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Mark46, Sep 17, 2012.

  1. Mark46

    Mark46 Inactive User

    34
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    So far I am really pleased with how things are going in my new 75 gallon system, with 1 exception.

    The sand quickly starts to turn brown and the developes into a mat type of consistency on top.

    I vac it once/ week when I do a water change, but it quickly re-appears.

    Is their a good fix for this?

    Sand sifting goby?, Cucumber?


     
  2. mpivit Well-Known ReefKeeper

    494
    Dubuque
    Ratings:
    +28 / 1 / -0
    Probably Diatoms. My tank had them as well. Over time they subsided and now my sand is free of the mat (It lasted about a month), The sand was slightly stained and never regained the bright white sugar look, it is more of a beige or light tan now. I added a fighting conch and 12 nassarus(sp) snails to fix it, but I think time is what actually did the trick.
    I do like the fighting conch and nassarus snails for scavenging the sand bed though.
     
  3. Shayna

    Shayna Well-Known ReefKeeper

    425
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    UV Sterilizer really helps and so does blasting the sand with a turkey baster to rotate it. Sand dwelling clean up crew would help minimally. The brown algae will eventually go away on it's own though as long as the water is right. Your tank is just getting cycled - that's a good thing even if it's not pretty. Chemi clean does take care of that, but I don't like using chemicals in my tank.
     
  4. Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,821 / 14 / -0
    Just leave it alone, it will go away eventually, may take a while. I always refrain from adding chemicals.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.