Generally unhealthy looking tank.

Dom · Jan 29, 2019

So... I'm noticing this evening that my tank has an overall unhealthy look and feel to it. I knew this would happen; it was only 3 weeks ago that I was walking around with my chest out, boasting about how well my tank was looking and feeling.

I have a slowly worsening Cyanobacteria problem (there... I said it...)that isn't improving through traditional strategies. Removing Chaeto from the fuge, UV Sterilization, Substrate vacuuming and increased water changes have been unsuccessful.

One thing has changed:

As an experiment, I switched from Reef Crystals to Red Sea Pro about 6 weeks ago. Maybe the switch in salt changed the chemistry in a way more favorable to Cyano growth?

Open to suggestions.
Dom

hdsoftail1065 · Jan 29, 2019

I had my chest out and deflated for the same reason (Cyanobacteria, dang, now you made me say it) I took the same steps as you mentioned and increased my flow (this really helped me), things are finally turning around. I have never switched salts so I can't validate if that could be the cause of yours. I do plan to switch brands soon.

mtraylor · Jan 29, 2019

Do you dose anything? What additives are you currently adding to aquarium? How old is aquarium?

clipperking · Jan 29, 2019

Chemiclean will get rid of the alge problem. Increase flow and check lighting

Dom · Jan 29, 2019

hdsoftail1065 said:
I took the same steps as you mentioned and increased my flow (this really helped me), things are finally turning around.

The problem areas in the tank are areas of high flow

Dom · Jan 29, 2019

mtraylor said:
Do you dose anything? What additives are you currently adding to aquarium? How old is aquarium?

I do not dose. I rely on faithful water changes for things like Mg and Ca replenishment.

This particular tank is newer than I first realized. The tank is 258 days old (8.5 months). And yes, I suppose the thing to do is be patient and be faithful in my water changes.

I think it is important to note that while the tank is officially up and running 8.5 months, all the water and live rock, came from a smaller setup. Only the substrate was fresh.

If this is due to "new tank syndrome", shouldn't it have happened months ago? This is my first encounter with Cyano in the short time (10 years) I have been in the hobby.