Help asap please!!!

I never have this problem before. I did notice a big change on how fast the water was coming from the ro\di unit. Before were couple drop\per second. Now it keep running NOT even doing any drop. I going call marinedepot or specturepure tommorow see what they say.

Thank all for helpful and informative advice.

 

No offense to you either, but you are the first person I have ever heard of to advise AGAINST vacuuming the sand bed. Every saltwater specialist or maintenance person I've ever had contact with considers this to be basic maintenance of a saltwater system. It's part of cleaning the tank. That's why the tools are sold for it. Again, I'm not trying to be offensive, but based on everything I know and have ever heard, you're giving very bad advice by telling someone not to vacuum out the sand bed periodically (especially if it's a deeper bed).

Also, the idea of leaving the bed still is a very bad idea as that gives rise to pockets of toxins and detritus build up. You generally want critters that will stir it (nassarius snails, etc.) and you should vacuum out the bad stuff that doesn't get handled this way...but by no means do you want a "still" sand bed.

 

I know a lot of people who don't do it, and IMO my tank has been doing a lot better since I stopped vacumming.

 

I'd PM AZdesertrat with a link to his thread! Give him the exact model and be will steer you straight!

I'd vac a shallow sand bed but def not a DSB! But my cuc is big enough to do it for me

 

Do you have a bypass valve (that bypasses the flow restrictor) on top of your RO/DI, and if so did you possibly leave it open?

 

I dont see anything wrong with either theory of vacuuming or not. Its true that you destroy anaerobic bacteria, but you need over 2 inches to start to develop those cultures anyway. The trick it, if you leave a sandbed, don't disturb it (due to releasing bad stuff. If you vacuum it consistently, keep it up.

 

Actually it is even more important NOT to disturb a DSB and if you do vacuum it is important to only do the upper layer and small sections at a time. A sudden release of detritus/toxins is a sure fire way to start a mini cycle.The whole purpose of a DSB is to get an anaerobic layer that will break down detritus and toxins stirring it kills this bacteria.With this being said there are new findings that prove some of this good bacteria live in other parts of the tank as well.Even in aerobic conditions which is another reason I don't particularly care for DSB's.

I have never vacuumed my SB.

This is absolutely spot on IMO.If it hasn't been vaccumed before and/or has no snails (or other sand dwellers) to keep it cean and not compacted, it is best to start with small areas.IME sand dwellers like Nassarius snails or fighting conch are much better overall for the tank as these creatures stir small areas of the SB over time consuming most yucky stuff making vacuuming unecessary.

 

I advise not to disturb the sand bed also. In fact, I am sure a majority of the people here would advise this also.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-07/nftt/index.php

To the OP: I recommend Spectrapure over Marine Depot for RODI resins, membranes, etc. My experiences are only negative with Marine Depot's DI resin.

 

To the Original Poster, or OP, sorry for side railing your thread. IMO, While keeping your substrate clean, whether naturally or mechanically, is important, I personally don't think this is contributing to your Cyano. I would definitely watch how much I feed each day, and govern which types also. I used to feed several types of food all at once, and even with a sump, skimmer, macro, reactor for Phosphate, and a good CUC, I was still having a a Cyano problem JUST like yours looks. It wasn't until I controlled my feeding to flake once a day, and cyclops twice a week, and kept up with at least 5-10g water changes a week that I got control. I know water changes can get expensive, but I get my water very cheap, so it makes it easier. FWIW, most people see cyano as a cycle stage that every tank goes through. If it looks unsightly, get a turkey baster, and suck it up best you can until your tank stabilizes. Take your time, and with good husbandry, you'll get through.

Marshal had a great idea about the bypass, but still, check your water, and contact the seller to see what they recommend. Keep us posted on the tank.

 

Any news?