Sand Bottom

[ResMan22]

Hi.. I recently switched my 20gal tank with some sand instead of rock.. I let the sand soak for 24h and then pu it in. I have some tetras in it with some catfish and some long skinny thing that goes into the sand. I have an air stone going with my AquaClear 150. Its only been like 2 weeks and I have a lot of algae on the top of the sand. I moved it around with my hand when I noticed it and this did not do anything. It jsut keeps getting worse. Any suggestion what to do?

 

[SirMinion]

Never had this problem as all my tanks have fish that constantly move the sand around.

Check you parameters, algae growth that fast could indicate high nitrates and/or phosphorus in the water.

Also make sure that the tank is not in direct sunlight and that the lights are not on for too many hours per day,

 

[Erised]

I have no clue what causes it, but I'd love an answer too

And SirMinion, having fish that move the sand around doesnt always work ... I've got a 20G full with corydoras fry, about 80 of them I'd say. You dont really get sand moved around more than that, and its still algae covered (though, I have to admit its only some patches, not fully covered and mostly on the less busy places of the tank)