Darn Algae, help?

[reef4beer]

Been fighting with this algae for about 3 months. I have added a lot more flow which has helped some but it continues to spread. Tank is 110 gallons, currently running a refugium and a carbon reactor.

Currently have about 150 tiny blue legs, 2 sand sifting stars, rock blenny. blue tang, and a dejardini.

Usually starts in the sand but it has come to take over the rocks as well. Not necessarily hairy but more of a patch type of growth.

 

[saltyphish]

Cyanobacteria is what you have! Increased flow in my experience does not always help. In fact for me it never has helped. It feeds on excess nutrients and light so even reducing nutrients does not always help. What has worked best for me is using a product called Chemiclean. Follow the directions exactly. Especially the extra aeration. Do not take short cuts with that stuff. When used properly it is completely reef safe. Never had a issue with fish, coral, or invert loss from using it. The stuff works good.

 

[brandon429]

also wanted to add that this invader responds really well to gfo / po4 lowering

 

[rygh]

Yep, definitely Cyano. I have been battling that off and on for years.

Chemiclean works very well, but tends to make your skimmer go crazy for several days.
Unfortunately, that is only temporary. It often comes back pretty quickly if that is all you do.

Siphon it out manually using an airline hose or other small tube.
Add more GFO, to keep phosphates down. Very key.
Feed less.
Use Chemiclean when it is really out of control.

 

[Irsug1]

+1! Chemiclean treatments and then keep the phosphates down with GFO or Chemipure elite.

 

[reef4beer]

Had a feeling just wanted to make sure I treated with the right thing.

Here is before picture


After 24 hours