algae problem

Olby Toribio · Oct 1, 2016

I recently did a phosphate test and it show as 0ppm , but I still getting algea on my sand ,

the light I'm using are t5 ,

(2) T5 ATI AQUABLUE SPECIAL
(2) T5 ATI BLUE PLUS

Pugfishluv3 · Oct 1, 2016

The algea is using up the phosphate giving a false negative. A pic will help identify it

Sully · Oct 1, 2016

How old are the bulbs?

twilliard · Oct 1, 2016

Algae on the sand?
What color are you seeing?

Olby Toribio · Oct 1, 2016

Sully said:
How old are the bulbs?

almost 7 month

Olby Toribio · Oct 1, 2016

twilliard said:
Algae on the sand?
What color are you seeing?

brown , some part green and kind black too.

Olby Toribio · Oct 1, 2016

Pugfishluv3 said:
The algea is using up the phosphate giving a false negative. A pic will help identify it

I will post picture in a few

Olby Toribio · Oct 1, 2016

here are some pictures

twilliard · Oct 1, 2016

Cyanobacteria

Olby Toribio · Oct 1, 2016

twilliard said:
Cyanobacteria

Yeah, I had done big water change , but I still keep getting it.
its my light , or Im having poor flow on my system.

twilliard · Oct 1, 2016

Well on the contrary it is not your lighting nor is it your flow.
I educate people about cyanobacteria.
Anything in particular you would like to know about it?

FL-Reefer-addict352 · Oct 1, 2016

Sure twillard do you care to elaborate on 1.how you get it 2.how to get rid of it 3.how to prevent it. I. Sure that would cover just about all questions that could be asked [emoji38]

twilliard · Oct 1, 2016

FL-Reefer-addict352 said:
Sure twillard do you care to elaborate on 1.how you get it 2.how to get rid of it 3.how to prevent it. I. Sure that would cover just about all questions that could be asked [emoji38]

Ok lets get started
1- How does a person get it.
This all comes down to the introduction of anything foreign into the system. This includes water (from fish or coral bags), corals, coral plugs, rocks, inverts and macro's. These cells can NOT be seen by the human eye. All it takes is one active cell with viable DNA to reproduce.
2- How do you get rid of it
First let me start this with the basis of my answer. This is eradication not just "visible". This involves the use of either an oxidizer or an antibiotic depending on the genus involved following my thread here.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/back-at-it-peroxide-vrs-cyanobacteria.241002/
3- How do you prevent it
This falls in line with #1. I prepare a solution of 1ml H2O2, 1ml of an antibiotic in 2 gallons of water. ANYTHING received to be introduced into the tank gets a 10 minute bath in this even the macro-algae's.

FL-Reefer-addict352 · Oct 1, 2016

Thanks twillard I'm sure your answers helped the original thread poster

Wiz · Oct 1, 2016

@twilliard Why do you say that flow does not contribute to it?I mean I know it's not a cause but it's my impression that it is in almost every tank and low flow can cause it to show where is higher flow will allow it to not be sewn. I use no mechanical filtration other than a skimmer. I use macro algae is to keep my water clean. I will get cyano outbreaks in low-flow areas which are corrected by raising the flow. Is there some other process that is being Tweeked by raising the flow causing the bacteria to go away?

Wiz · Oct 1, 2016

I can go months without seeing it, it is usually when my pumps get dirty and lose power that I start showing it. After a good cleaning and flow correction it goes away. Also I was curious about the peroxide. It does not damage macros?

twilliard · Oct 1, 2016

Yes I state flow in regards to cell production.
I wanted to eliminate the thought that flow was the issue of its beginnings.
You are absolutely correct on your statement.
Also to note flow does have a direct reaction to the genus spirulina but that digs deep into the cell structure lecture.

twilliard · Oct 1, 2016

Wiz said:
I can go months without seeing it, it is usually when my pumps get dirty and lose power that I start showing it. After a good cleaning and flow correction it goes away. Also I was curious about the peroxide. It does not damage macros?

I can dip a macro algae in H2O2 with little damage to the whole plant itself. The cell structure is just too large.

Wiz · Oct 1, 2016

Thank you for the clarification. Just wanted to make sure my understanding was not incorrect.
That second part is great to know. I have always stayed away from that H2O2 thread because I thought it would kill my macros. I am extremely fond of my large refugium and did not want that to happen. Maybe I will delve into the thread and see what comes out