How To Get Rid Of “algae” On Top Of Sand?

Hello! So this is my first time using sand, and after having it for about a week now I’ve noticed that there’s these little green spots scattered on the top of the sand, and I’m assuming its algae. I thought it would be easier to clean than gravel, but it seems like it’s almost sticking to the sand. So I can barely get any of it using my vacuum. I usually get more swishing my net through the water, but I was wondering how any of you deal with this and what I can do to clean it up and perhaps prevent it. Thanks in advance!

 

Are you hovering over the sand with siphon, or plunging the siphon into the sand slightly?

 

Are you hovering over the sand with siphon, or plunging the siphon into the sand slightly?

I am hovering over the sand with the siphon, not plunging it into the sand. I seem to lose quite a lot of sand when I do that, but if that’s the only way to vacuum up the algae, is there anyway I could maybe reduce the amount of sand I vacuum as much as possible?

 

It takes practice.

Try lightly plunging siphon into sand and raising it back up.

With you other hand, kink the hose when too much sand starts to get pick up, and it will cause the sand to fall back down.

My 75 gallon has sand and I have to do that sometimes.

 

It takes practice.

Try lightly plunging siphon into sand and raising it back up.

With you other hand, kink the hose when too much sand starts to get pick up, and it will cause the sand to fall back down.

My 75 gallon has sand and I have to do that sometimes.

Ahh ok, thank you so much! I’ll definitely try that. I’m sure it takes a bit of skill, but hopefully I’ll get it soon. I appreciate the advice!