algae/cyano problem

[Jasontkd]

Hey all, I am having algae problems. I have cyano popping up all over the place. Originally it was all in on small patch. I blasted it off, and I thought I syphoned it out, but I think I ended up spreading it. Now it is showing up on my sand, and on a bunch of different rocks. I also keep getting green hair algae. Throughout the tank it is ok, and my blenny keeps it controller, but it grows like crazy on my overflow pipes. all my parameters check out fine. Corals are doing splendid. What should I do to get rid of this stuff. I do a 10% W/C every week. I am very diligent about that

[Hendersonracing]

how old is the tank???

[Jasontkd]

just over 2 months. But, the rock had completely cycled/cured/cooked in a tub of saltwater with powerheads, skimmer, etc. for over 2 months prior to set up

[jawajuice]

Most algae problems comes from types of foods that are loaded with phosphates. Sometimes phosphates are leached out by carbon use. (depends on brand) Phosphates are what feeds algae. I would try a 72 hour blackout on the tank and maybe use a phos-sponge for a while. Check your food that`s most likely where your problem is really at. Hope this helps out.

[pastina]

the best method ive found which not only got rid of it but also kept it from ever returning were sleeper gobies.
bullet gobies are the best followed by orange marked and rainfords.

go with a bullet goby if you can, trust me he will rid it for you very quickly

[seasalt dreams]

I had the same problem after about the same amount of time. I was told its normal for a new tank. 1 tsp of sugar in my sump took care of it, and it never returned.

[pastina]

Originally Posted by seasalt dreams

I had the same problem after about the same amount of time. I was told its normal for a new tank. 1 tsp of sugar in my sump took care of it, and it never returned.

yeah i heard about using sugar, and also the vodka method. i was always afraid to do that though

[seasalt dreams]

worked wonders for me

[Mike01z]

I tried sugar and it did keep cyano under control but never algae, I ended up stopping using it after a few tries just cause I didn't feel right using it, now I'm trying to clear up the hair algae which is the biggest pain, my main issue I think is no cure on the rocks so its good that you did it,


only 2 months in I'd say you are ok cause alot of stuff happens early, like others said watch how much food you put in tank and make sure you skim well.

the 10% water changes are awesome, keep them up

[Goldstripe]

Are you using RODI water? If your filters are done this will also introduce phosphates to the tank. I've tried the blackout method and it did seem to improve things right away. I think I did it for 2 days though

[Jasontkd]

well, I feed formula one daily. Maybe i feed too heavily. But I only put it what is being eaten by my fish. I would do the blackout thing, but I have a decent amount of SPS in there and hate to cut out the light on them. I would try sugar, but this is a small tank and I really don't know how much to use on a small tank. are there any snails that will take care of this stuff?

[tims]

way too much food! cut to every few days...
the stop the cyano you need to do as good cleaning a fewtimes in a row. clean outthe skimmer, clean the filters . remove things that have excess hair alga on and scrubb it off out side of the tank.

[Jasontkd]

I am going to do a big cleaning this weekend with my water change. I will cut back on the food

[DrFish33]

I think you may be overreacting. A cyano outbreak is common, no...normal for a tank that is as young as yours. Keep doing what you're doing. I wouldn't change anything except for the feeding.

[DrFish33]

then again...tims is smarter than me