Cyano Bacteria Attack!

Hi All,

I have a little bit of cyano bacteria growing in my tank. It only seems to be growing in two places, but I'm assuming it will probably spread over time. I've been reading on this forum and online about cyano bacteria and read that it is caused my too many nutrients in the water and that in the spots it's growing there probably isn't enough water flow.

I did a 10% water change tonight and will test my nitrate level tomorrow. Before doing the water change the nitrates were at 20ppm. My ammonia and nitrite were both 0. Since the cyano appeared I've also cut back on my feeding, thought that has thoroughly peeved off my fish! And in case this matters, my tank is two months old.

What are your recommendations to nip the cyano bacteria in the bud before it goes crazy?

Thanks!

 

AAAHHHH RUNNN!!!

The best way to stop it in its tracks is to lessen nutrients like you are already doing. Small water changes every other day and limited feeding will help the most. Like you said increased flow will also wipe it out. Sounds like you may have a couple of small dead spots. You might consider changing your flow or adding a couple of small power heads to get rid of those zones.

Have you tested for phosfates?

 

Haha when I saw it starting to grow I wanted to run! I had read about the dreaded cyano and felt special because I didn't have any!!

I'm going to add another power head by the area where the cyano is growing. Unfortunately, it's right where my clown sleeps, so I'll have to figure that out. Poor little guy doesn't want to be blasted away! I am going to the pet store tomorrow to get a phosphate test kit. Unfortunately, when I started my tank I didn't know the importance of using RO water, so I filled it up with treated tap water. But since then, every time I add top off water or do water changes I use RO water.

I'll try to do frequent water changes until it is gone. I'm going on vacation next Monday and will be gone for 4 days...the cyano growing can't do the fish any harm in 4 days can it?

Thanks!

 

It wont harm them any. The main detriment of cyano is its ugly. The tap water could of played a huge roll in this and it may just taper off now that your using RO.

 

That's what I'm hoping!! Slowly the tap water will be taken over by the RO water. So it's just ugly? As long as it doesn't hurt the fish I won't freak out then. I was worried it's toxic.

Now I must go and start the war on cyano!!

Thanks for your help!

 

Ya it wont do them any harm. If anything it will help to process any nitrates they put out while your gone.

 

More flow. Do a water change after lights out; the cyano will dissapear when the lights go out after a while and the nutrients will be released into the water. Changing water then will help combat the cyano. Flow is critical, the clown will find a new bed to sleep in

 

Thanks for the good tip about doing a water change while the lights are out. I like the sound of that! And I am going to get another power head today.

What one should I get for a 37 gallon (how many gph)? I don't want it to be too strong, but I also want it to do something!

Thanks!

 

Okay, so I picked up a Koralia power head today and it's already in the tank adding lots of fun current for the fish. They are loving playing in it! I also picked up a phosphate test kit. My reading came out to be 0.5ppm. Does that seem high? The cyano hasn't spread, but comes back within a day after I clean it off.

Thanks!

 

I have the same problem i did a large water change and switched around my flow and added a hob filter with nothing in it to add flow until i get my 2 koralia2 powerheads.