Can I get rid of this algae? in sand bed?

I dont like the way it makes the sand look dirty from the front and the sides of the tank. Is this beneficial algae or is it something I can scrape away during water changes?

Thanks!!

 

I think you can scrape it away but you should be careful whenever you disturb your sand bed.....just scrape it without disturbing too much sand in the process. I'll let others chime in......

 

I am not sure also. The red stuff looks like cyanobacteria so thats not beneficial, but there also looks like some pockets of beneficial bacteria.

I often stir up my sand bed so I can't really talk. But I have done so since pretty much day one. I am not sure if you did do this you would release into the water column.

 

I never touch my sandbed at all, except that front part like you posted.
When ever Im cleaning the tank I will take my magflip scraper and gently push down on the sand along the glass. I havent seen anything bad happen from doing this. Even if it was risky I would probably still do it, it looks so ugly imo.

 

I agree that it is ugly.. that's why I want it gone! I just wasn't sure if slightly disturbing the sand bed would screw things up.
I will carefully scrape it away next water change unless somebody else chimes in and tells me its a bad idea.

Thanks for the reply

 

You can do it if you're careful as mentioned, but it will just grow back. The light transfers down the front pane of glass and lights that area. Not really much you can do about it except keep cleaning it.

 

It doesn't look nice , but it will not bad for your tank. If it is not black algae,will be fine. it will grow up again after you clean it, so just leave it in there. You can use thin plastic to cover it.