relationship between cyano and macro

[Drew]

Hi everyone,

As you know, I am having a battle with cyano right now. Even though it is getting better, it is still there. But, when I look at my 20 gal, which has the same water and the same feedings as my 45, I see absolutely NO CYANO. I wondered why this tank has none, the only thing I can come up with is that that tank is where I grow all of my macro algae. I have two species in there, grape and an unknown. Is it possible that the macro algae absorbs all of the nutrients before the cyano and the micro algae can get it? If so, would macro algae, if introduced to my 45, out-compete the cyano? Therefore eradicating my system of cyano. Is this possible? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Drew

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"Im learnding"
"Thats my sandbox, I can't go in the deep-end"

Drew while its possible that there may be some other factor at work in the small tank
(different circulation pattern maybe) its highly likely that the macro uptakes nutrients and denies them to the cyano. This is one of the reasons Macro refugiums and algae sumps are gaining popularity as we strive for more natural approaches. Aan established growth of macro algae, harvested regularly is an often important facture in weaning a mature system off relying on a protien skimmer. Be aware there are always trde offs, its important to view the system as a whole, not just one issue.
The other thing I'd caution is macro in a high nutrient environment can quickly overtake the desirable corals and stuff, making it necesssary to get in and remove lots on a regular basis, is it possible to link the 2 tanks together via a common sump or something. If you can do that or figure out how to utilize the macro algae and remove the excess cyano you can probably get this under control.
Keep in mind cyano is a very common part of the food chain, feeding a large number of micro critters and bacteria that are beneficial to your reefs health. Its only when parameters get out of kilter that it can become a dominant mess that haunts so many reefers at some point. To a certain extent it is too be expected and as the system moves towards balance it will become less of a problem. Using the antibioptics to control it has repercussions far beyond the immediate and can upset the biofiltration over the long run. Definatly not a good idea, its like a pain pill to mask the pain but does nothing to treat the cause of the pain. Good luck with your efforts, it will pass

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I thought I was me, but we were wrong
email: geeflipr@internetcds.com

[Drew]

I have another question. What kind of lighting does macro need to grow? If I put it under a 60 watt reading light bulb, would it grow?

Drew

------------------
"Im learnding"
"Thats my sandbox, I can't go in the deep-end"

[BurnNSpy]

Yes, Macro algae will out compete cyano. But the problem in your tank will still be there, you have high nitrates or phosphates. When the nutrients are absorbed by macro algae, it will die off to a point. When the dieoff occurs it will release the Nitrates back into the tank. So if you plan on having macro algae grow in tank to remove nutrients, then you must remove the macro algae regularly.

BurnNSpy

DREW, 60 watts ain't gonna grow much in the way of algae. You need more than that to get really good growth. The brightside is Plants can use the lower kelvin bulbs that arent suitable for coral. I am looking to add 2 of the Lights of America PC floodlights(65K 65 watts ea) on the growout section of my sump.
Other choices would be multi flourescent plant lite bulbs or the $79 DIY metal ahlide setup that comes with a 4300K bulb, that ought to do the trick.

------------------
I thought I was me, but we were wrong
email: geeflipr@internetcds.com