Purple algae on sand

[ReefMatt]

Quick question. I have a 30 day old tank and I’m starting to see some purple looking algae growing on my sand and Nero flow pumps. Any idea what this is and how to get rid of it? Thanks!!

 

[civics14]

Pictures with white lights on would help

 

[ReefMatt]

I guess it would help if I turned my white lights on. Looks more brown/green.

 

[civics14]

30 days and brownish color leads me to think its diatoms. I recommend cerith snails.

 

[ecoreefguy]

New tank. Throw in some snails and let time handle the rest. As long as your parameters are in check, the nuisance algae will soon go away

 

[AWarnick]

Yeah, you can get some pods maybe and check your nitrate levels, they might be zero. Prepare for things to get much worse before they get better, but that is the cycle of life starting. Good luck

 

[ReefMatt]

I actually ordered some pods yesterday. Thanks for the advise.

 

[jcook54]

Seriously though, it looks like standard 'new tank uglies' and I wouldn't do a whole lot to try and address the issue. New tank uglies, new tank syndrome - it has a few different go-to names. On the plus side, it means your system is maturing nicely! It just stink that it'll look a bit rougher before it gets better.