redfishbluefish
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A lot of advice above and I'll re-enforce some of that here. This is what I'd do:
FEEDING: First off with the fish you have, twice a day is too much. Cut back on feeding, as suggested, only maybe 3 days a week until you've cleared up the tank. Your fish will tell you they are underfed with sunked bellies.
CANISTER FILTER: Two suggestions: 1.) With your water change schedule, take it off line all together. OR 2.) Take out the media that comes with the filter and replace it with some carbon/GFO/other reactor material. I think that filter comes with two or three media baskets so you'll be able to do at least two of the above. Clean the foam pad once a week.
WATER CHANGES: Maybe increase frequency, but certainly siphon out the cyano when doing water changes. It should come out as a mat.
LIGHTING: Mixed feelings about turning off lights. Yes, the amount of growth will subside and die, but now it puts those nutrients back into the water. I wouldn't do it, but have not problem with you trying it.
WATER FLOW: If you have another powerhead, flow will help with cyano.
I also strongly agree not to put this on your wife. Have her cut back feeding and maybe turning off the canister filter, and when you come home in July, you can do the rest.
FEEDING: First off with the fish you have, twice a day is too much. Cut back on feeding, as suggested, only maybe 3 days a week until you've cleared up the tank. Your fish will tell you they are underfed with sunked bellies.
CANISTER FILTER: Two suggestions: 1.) With your water change schedule, take it off line all together. OR 2.) Take out the media that comes with the filter and replace it with some carbon/GFO/other reactor material. I think that filter comes with two or three media baskets so you'll be able to do at least two of the above. Clean the foam pad once a week.
WATER CHANGES: Maybe increase frequency, but certainly siphon out the cyano when doing water changes. It should come out as a mat.
LIGHTING: Mixed feelings about turning off lights. Yes, the amount of growth will subside and die, but now it puts those nutrients back into the water. I wouldn't do it, but have not problem with you trying it.
WATER FLOW: If you have another powerhead, flow will help with cyano.
I also strongly agree not to put this on your wife. Have her cut back feeding and maybe turning off the canister filter, and when you come home in July, you can do the rest.
