Cyano

jah-hoeva · Feb 3, 2018

Any tips for dealing with cyano while running triton? In the past the tiny bits I saw of it I sucked out while doing a water change.

NHreefguy · Feb 3, 2018

Increased flow worked for me

Jaculus · Feb 5, 2018

I get cyano now in my fuge in areas of low flow also. In fact I had to add a small powerhead to increase the flow. I guess that goes back to the 10x flow rate lol

Reef Jeff · Feb 5, 2018

What are your NO3 and PO4 levels? A zero on either one tends to contribute to cyano outbreaks. Detritus collection in certain areas can also cause it. And low flow like the rest said.

jah-hoeva · Feb 6, 2018

No3: Red Sea-1ppm I also used an API as a double check and got: 0ppm

P04: Red Sea-0.04 to 0.05

Alk:7.3 dkh
CA: 425 ppm
MG: 1425

Want2BS8ed · Feb 6, 2018

Jaculus said:
I get cyano now in my fuge in areas of low flow also. In fact I had to add a small powerhead to increase the flow. I guess that goes back to the 10x flow rate lol

Same here. My refugium is oversized and even at the recommended 10x flow through I needed extra circulation.

Had some funky snot growing in the DT when initially cycled, but touch wood, never got any in the DT.

I'd also recommend bumping your Nitrates up slightly as well. Not an exact science, but found the sweet spot in my case to be between 2ppm and 4ppm.

M

Reef Jeff · Feb 6, 2018

jah-hoeva said:
No3: Red Sea-1ppm I also used an API as a double check and got: 0ppm

P04: Red Sea-0.04 to 0.05

You found the cause. You need to increase your nitrates. Get it to at least 1-2 ppm. Up to 5 ppm is okay, but 1-2 will get rid of the cyano. You may have to dose to get it detectable.

jah-hoeva · Feb 6, 2018

Never had this issue before. What form of nitrate should I dose? (Anyone recommend a product)

Jaculus · Feb 6, 2018

Most people use potassium nitrate. Actually used for stump remover. I'll probably dose incredibly small amounts until I can get mine up from zero zero zero lol.

Reef Jeff · Feb 6, 2018

For nitrate dosing you can use NaNo3, KNO3 or Ca(NO3)2. I use NaNO3 because I already have potassium and calcium where I want them. For NaNO3 mix 6 grams in 100ml of RO/DI water. Then dose 5ml to raise 100 gallons of saltwater approximately 0.5 ppm of nitrate. Always test to verify outcome.