Is this cyano

[Ti64reef]

I have this red film in my reef tank and I thought it was cyano. Primarily on the rocks and a little on the sand. I dosed chemiclean twice with no benefits. What else could it be.

 

[Jekyl]

Does it easily come off? Looks like cyano and it's that big of a deal

 

[Pico bam]

Sure looks like it you could try really low phosphate and manually remove it.

 

[Ti64reef]

It does come off pretty easily. What else can I do besides chemiclean? My phosphates are about .05

 

[vetteguy53081]

It does come off pretty easily. What else can I do besides chemiclean? My phosphates are about .05

Cyano blooms typically start when water nutrient concentrations go haywire. Just like when you eat too much sugar and your waistline starts to bloom, the same happens in your tank when concentrations of phosphate, nitrate and other organic compounds are too high.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Protein skimmer which fills water with tiny air bubbles. As bubbles form from the reaction chamber, dissolved organic compound molecules stick to them. Foam forms at the surface of the water and is then transferred to a collection cup, where it rests as skimmate
- Overstocking / overfeeding, your aquarium with nutrients is often the culprit of a cyano bloom
- Adding live rock that isn’t completely cured which acts like a breeding ground for red slime algae
- If you don’t change your water with enough frequency, you’ll soon have a brightly colored red slime algae bloom. Regular water changes dilute nutrients that feed cyanobacteria and keeps your tank beautifully clear
- Using a water source with nitrates or phosphates is like rolling out the welcome mat for cyano. Tap water is an example
- Inadequate water flow, or movement, is a leading cause of cyano blooms. Slow moving water combined with excess dissolved nutrients is a recipe for pervasive red slime algae development

I recommend to reduce white light intensity or even turn them off for 5-7 days. Add liquid bacteria daily for a week during the day at 1.5ml per 10 gallons. Add Hydrogen peroxide at night at 1ml per 10 gallons. Add a pouch of chemipure Elite which will balance phos and nitrate and keep them in check.

After the week, add a few snails such as cerith, margarita, astrea and nassarius plus 6-8 blue leg hermits to take control.

 

[Pico bam]

Brightwell's phosphate E is a good liquid remover as long as you have a skimmer. I'm not saying this will solve it but should halt the growth and help. Your live rock will likely leach out phosphate slowly however so it will likely grow there.

 

[Ti64reef]

Should I just turn on my gfo. I thought .05 for nitrates was ideal?

 

[Jekyl]

I wouldn't chase numbers it will lead to more issues. Cyano isn't really an issue and usually sorts itself out with some time. If you want it gone though use the advice @vetteguy53081 gave.

 

[lukefish]

Cyano blooms typically start when water nutrient concentrations go haywire. Just like when you eat too much sugar and your waistline starts to bloom, the same happens in your tank when concentrations of phosphate, nitrate and other organic compounds are too high.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Protein skimmer which fills water with tiny air bubbles. As bubbles form from the reaction chamber, dissolved organic compound molecules stick to them. Foam forms at the surface of the water and is then transferred to a collection cup, where it rests as skimmate
- Overstocking / overfeeding, your aquarium with nutrients is often the culprit of a cyano bloom
- Adding live rock that isn’t completely cured which acts like a breeding ground for red slime algae
- If you don’t change your water with enough frequency, you’ll soon have a brightly colored red slime algae bloom. Regular water changes dilute nutrients that feed cyanobacteria and keeps your tank beautifully clear
- Using a water source with nitrates or phosphates is like rolling out the welcome mat for cyano. Tap water is an example
- Inadequate water flow, or movement, is a leading cause of cyano blooms. Slow moving water combined with excess dissolved nutrients is a recipe for pervasive red slime algae development

I recommend to reduce white light intensity or even turn them off for 5-7 days. Add liquid bacteria daily for a week during the day at 1.5ml per 10 gallons. Add Hydrogen peroxide at night at 1ml per 10 gallons. Add a pouch of chemipure Elite which will balance phos and nitrate and keep them in check.

After the week, add a few snails such as cerith, margarita, astrea and nassarius plus 6-8 blue leg hermits to take control.

How do I save this advice!! Sound!!

 

[PeterC99]

Three things got rid of my cyano:

1) Strong UV light
2) Started an Oxydator (look for threads on this site)
3) Phytoplankton every other day

Before and after pics (also have since increase the light intensity by 5% on my Radions)

 

[vetteguy53081]

How do I save this advice!! Sound!!

go to favorites and hit save

 

[Ti64reef]

Did the coral get affected by the light? Did you run the uv directly above the tank or in a sterilizer.

 

[Ti64reef]

I had a terrible algae for a few months and that is all gone unfortunately it's been replaced by this mess

 

[Pico bam]

I had a terrible algae for a few months and that is all gone unfortunately it's been replaced by this mess

In all honesty if you want a simple plan of action I'd low phosphate and try some phyto you can even grow your own phyto.