Slimy green stuff in sand during fishless cycle?

[BradT041]

I'm currently in about my 2nd week of my fishless cycle.. A green slimy film has developed on my sand and some fake plants I have in the tank. What is this?! Also my filters are turning green, is this normal? Thanks for all your guys help!

 

[Newman]

Its just soft green algae. cut down on the light you give to the tank, and it will go away. the green alage that winds up in your filter will turn brown and die w/o light.

You can physically remove the film, and vaccuum the sand (not literally, just move the vaccuum back and forth until the green slime floats upward, and you suck it up w/ the vaccuum.)

Cover your tank.
Also what kind of filter? HOB? if it has a transparent cover then cover that to make it dark.
Internal filter? covering the entire tank will fix it.
Canister? this shouldnt be turning green lol.