octo tank, algae on live sand, no cleanup crew...what to do?

[phuntoon]

What is the best way to clean algae off of a live sandbed with no cleanup crew since an octopus would eat them. You can't vaccum the sand like with a UGF. Sirring up the sandbed is also not advised right? Or ARE there any cleanup critters that an octopus wouldn't eat? Any ideas to clean the algae?

[McBeck]

You can vacuum the algae off. You have to be careful and patient, and it will take a teeny bit of sand with it. Just use a 3/4in hose. You could also try to light starve it for 1 or 2 days. This won't hurt the octopus.

If you get rid of it, you'll want to increase water changes and water flow to prevent it from coming back.

[Paradox009]

Add flow and if not already, add a fuge..