Brown Cyano Algae Problem on sand

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Zoanthids21, Apr 7, 2011.

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  1. Zoanthids21

    Zoanthids21 McKoscker’s Flasher Wrasse

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    So i dont know what is causing this..But for about a couple weeks, about every 3 or 4 days a small layer of brown cyano will form on the sandbed. Im not sure why. What causes Brown Cyano to form? How do you solve it?

    My paramerts as of 2 days ago.

    Nitrate-5ppm
    Phosphate-.25
    Alk-9
    Calc-415
    Salinity-1.23-1.025
    Nitrite and ammonia are both 0.

    My temp is at 82.5 at the end of the day, it only changes about 3-4 degrees throught the day i dont get why im getting this. Please any help will be great.
     
    Zoanthids21, Apr 7, 2011
    Zoanthids21, Apr 7, 2011
    #1

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  2. Zoanthids21

    Zoanthids21 McKoscker’s Flasher Wrasse

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    Anyone?
     
    Zoanthids21, Apr 7, 2011
    Zoanthids21, Apr 7, 2011
    #2
  3. Reeron

    Reeron Blue Ringed Angel

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    Pics?
     
    Reeron, Apr 7, 2011
    Reeron, Apr 7, 2011
    #3
  4. Zoanthids21

    Zoanthids21 McKoscker’s Flasher Wrasse

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    I will post pics when it comes back. I just stirred it up. But its definitely brown Cyano
     
    Zoanthids21, Apr 7, 2011
    Zoanthids21, Apr 7, 2011
    #4
  5. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    Phosphate-.25

    run GFO, get PO4 below detectable levels and then some.
     
    m2434, Apr 7, 2011
    m2434, Apr 7, 2011
    #5
  6. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Increase flow in the affected area and clean the sand thoroughly.
     
    2in10, Apr 7, 2011
    2in10, Apr 7, 2011
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  7. clarky2120

    clarky2120 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    .25 is moderate.

    and a 4 degree temp swing is fairly moderate too.

    You might be feeding too much or may not have enough flow in the area. And of course are you using RO/DI water? Have you checked it for phosphates?
     
    clarky2120, Apr 7, 2011
    clarky2120, Apr 7, 2011
    #7
  8. jspicer16

    jspicer16 Bristle Worm

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    I just recently had cyano pop up... Tanks been running for 19 months and started getting last week... I've been siphoning it out and doing water changes... Nitrates 0 and phosphate tests undetectable, increased flow, and put air stone in HOB...and still loosing the battle, guess I'll replace the bulbs
     
    jspicer16, Apr 7, 2011
    jspicer16, Apr 7, 2011
    #8
  9. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    No, .25 is very high. The ocean is about .005, this is about 50 times higher. Also hard coral growth slows down above about .03, so it is generally recommended to be below .03.

    Cyano bacteria can fix nitrogen, so the best way to fight is is phosphate. I agree with 2in10. Also, run carbon, keep up with water changes. Make sure to use 0 tds RO/DI etc...
     
    m2434, Apr 7, 2011
    m2434, Apr 7, 2011
    #9
  10. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    Phosphate is undetectable because test kits can't detect down low enough to limit it. If you have cyano though, you have phosphate.
     
    m2434, Apr 7, 2011
    m2434, Apr 7, 2011
    #10
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