What is this and how do I kill it?

[nobatobe]

I have been battling this brown stuff for almost 6 months now...wouldn't diatoms not last that long? I use RO/DI, nitrates are >20, and phosphate is 0. What do I do? It grows on glass, rocks, and sand

 

[ndrwater]

That's Cyano..

 

[Michelesreef]

i have been using Vibrant for my algae and it's working pretty great so far. I was using FluxRX and it did work, but not amazingly. I also have so Mexican turbo snails on the way and they've been a great help to my tank so, just needed a couple more. Do you any fish or inverts who help with algae control?

 

[nobatobe]

i have been using Vibrant for my algae and it's working pretty great so far. I was using FluxRX and it did work, but not amazingly. I also have so Mexican turbo snails on the way and they've been a great help to my tank so, just needed a couple more. Do you any fish or inverts who help with algae control?

Right now I just have 5 scarlet hermits and then 2 Nassarius snails to turn the sand...I’ll give vibrant a look for sure

 

[ndrwater]

Cyano is actually bacteria. Vibrant doesn't help with Cyano

 

[nobatobe]

Cyano is actually bacteria. Vibrant doesn't help with Cyano

Any recommendations for killing Cyano?

 

[ndrwater]

ChemiClean is a solid go to, but be careful.. follow the directions implicitly..
Cyano being a bacteria, requires an antibacterial to get rid of it.. ChemiClean is erythromycin which doesn't discriminate between good and bad bacteria..
Cyano will also go away on its own with time. It is often associated with the "new tank uglies"