Cyano and nutrients
- Thread starter Radicalrob1982
- Start date
Radicalrob1982
Member
Hi all. Just coming out for an update.
Did a test today. Still no no3 but had a reading of 0.01 po4.
It’s hard to believe that I dose 5 ml of zooplankton every morning for the last few weeks and my nutrients barely rise if at all.
Now that I have some GHA growing, gonna try dosing no3 just enough to try and maintain 1 ppm no3 and see how that goes.
Did a test today. Still no no3 but had a reading of 0.01 po4.
It’s hard to believe that I dose 5 ml of zooplankton every morning for the last few weeks and my nutrients barely rise if at all.
Now that I have some GHA growing, gonna try dosing no3 just enough to try and maintain 1 ppm no3 and see how that goes.
Thank for the update!
What test kits you use?
What export methods are currently used?
Can you show us a pic of the system for context?
Radicalrob1982
Member
I use Hanna ulr po4 test and Hanna HR test.
Currently no export at all. Since my mag calc and alk are in a good range, I don’t see the need to do a water change. Haven’t done a water change in almost 2 months.
Filtration, 55 seachem tidal with filter floss and carbon. No skimmer either.
Stock: 25 gallon water box clear with 2 false clowns, bi colour blenny and a clown goby. I feed twice daily
That’s crazy, zero nitrate in an 8 month old system with only minor water change and virtually no export.
I how is that possible? Stuff going in, how does it come out?
I need socks changed every 3 days, skimmer 24-7, a 50g lit refuge and the best I can do is 5ppm.
Those are good test kits! Wow….never seen a system with zero nitrate unless it was 100% water change.
Let us know when you go detectable.
Radicalrob1982
Member
Hi all. Bit of an update
Got looking at this red brown stuff under white light. As said before, it appears brown under white light but red under blue light. However, got looking a nice tiny thick patch under the edge of one of my rocks. It appeared to be stringy so I possibly think it could be Dino’s since it was rich brown.
Started using DinoX a few days ago followed by a two day black out. Lights are scheduled to come back on today for only 6 hours as instructions say. I literally haven’t seen my sand bed so white and clean since putting the tank together. Even before when lights were off in the morning, could see it slightly in various areas only to get a bit worse when the lights came on. However, will see how the light affects it today now that I’m resuming light.
Corals seem a bit sad but nothing terrible. Will likely swing back into things once lighting comes back.
But by using the dinoX, I out of curiosity tested my no3 yesterday morning and had a reading 2ppm without dosing. This is a good sign. Will check again tomorrow and provide future updates.
Got looking at this red brown stuff under white light. As said before, it appears brown under white light but red under blue light. However, got looking a nice tiny thick patch under the edge of one of my rocks. It appeared to be stringy so I possibly think it could be Dino’s since it was rich brown.
Started using DinoX a few days ago followed by a two day black out. Lights are scheduled to come back on today for only 6 hours as instructions say. I literally haven’t seen my sand bed so white and clean since putting the tank together. Even before when lights were off in the morning, could see it slightly in various areas only to get a bit worse when the lights came on. However, will see how the light affects it today now that I’m resuming light.
Corals seem a bit sad but nothing terrible. Will likely swing back into things once lighting comes back.
But by using the dinoX, I out of curiosity tested my no3 yesterday morning and had a reading 2ppm without dosing. This is a good sign. Will check again tomorrow and provide future updates.
Radicalrob1982
Member
Hey just reaching out with another update.
On about day 6 here. Red dust stuff still present but it’s like a sprinkle of cinnamon. Also very slight. However, tested my no3 again and had a reading of 2 ppm. Gonna keep dosing the Dino x every other day for about another 12 doses
Only side effect I’m seeing is my sinularia is shriveled, but my Duncan and gsp are fully out. But also could be from the 2 day blackout.
This is the only time since I’ve had this shit where it’s present but still have a no3 reading. I’m starting to believe the Dino x is actually working.
Will keep in touch.
On about day 6 here. Red dust stuff still present but it’s like a sprinkle of cinnamon. Also very slight. However, tested my no3 again and had a reading of 2 ppm. Gonna keep dosing the Dino x every other day for about another 12 doses
Only side effect I’m seeing is my sinularia is shriveled, but my Duncan and gsp are fully out. But also could be from the 2 day blackout.
This is the only time since I’ve had this shit where it’s present but still have a no3 reading. I’m starting to believe the Dino x is actually working.
Will keep in touch.
Radicalrob1982
Member
Well,
Not a big appearance of Dino’s.cyano or whatever it it is. But a slight dusting of that red shit on the sand in various spots. However, just tested no3 again and got a reading of 2 ppm. I am actually reading nutrients consistently in less than a week which deserves applause.
My next dose of dinoX is in the morning. Only side effect today was my sinularia is a bit pissed off. But other than that, my Duncan, gsp and candy cane are ok
Not a big appearance of Dino’s.cyano or whatever it it is. But a slight dusting of that red shit on the sand in various spots. However, just tested no3 again and got a reading of 2 ppm. I am actually reading nutrients consistently in less than a week which deserves applause.
My next dose of dinoX is in the morning. Only side effect today was my sinularia is a bit pissed off. But other than that, my Duncan, gsp and candy cane are ok
Radicalrob1982
Member
Hi all, coming back to provide an update.
Recently had some family items come up which caused me to neglect the tank. Ending up dosing some no3 and po4 before the neglect. Over the 2 weeks or so I can without a doubt identify the issue. I absolutely have cyano. It formed great big mats of red slimy stuff all over my sand bed and rocks. No bubbles in it, just thick mats of red slimy stuff. Been doing quite a few water changes to clean it all up and finally got it back to a state where it's in small bits throughout the sand bed. Had to manually remove the bigger mats with a sifter but it helps enormously.
Seems like this is definitely a nutrient issue here as any extra nutrients added other than the typical Phyto or fish food and my tank won't have it lol. It reacts very quickly. I wouldn't say I'm over stocked as I only have two half grown clowns, a bi colour blenny and a clown goby.
Chemiclean won't touch it to any degree where it helps.
Guess my only option now is to try to my best to foster the beneficial bacteria/organisms etc to curb the battlefield. Will try researching best nano clean up crew as well as every little bit helps
Recently had some family items come up which caused me to neglect the tank. Ending up dosing some no3 and po4 before the neglect. Over the 2 weeks or so I can without a doubt identify the issue. I absolutely have cyano. It formed great big mats of red slimy stuff all over my sand bed and rocks. No bubbles in it, just thick mats of red slimy stuff. Been doing quite a few water changes to clean it all up and finally got it back to a state where it's in small bits throughout the sand bed. Had to manually remove the bigger mats with a sifter but it helps enormously.
Seems like this is definitely a nutrient issue here as any extra nutrients added other than the typical Phyto or fish food and my tank won't have it lol. It reacts very quickly. I wouldn't say I'm over stocked as I only have two half grown clowns, a bi colour blenny and a clown goby.
Chemiclean won't touch it to any degree where it helps.
Guess my only option now is to try to my best to foster the beneficial bacteria/organisms etc to curb the battlefield. Will try researching best nano clean up crew as well as every little bit helps
Radicalrob1982
Member
Hi all, just reaching out with an update.
Tank is now pretty clean. I was able to get enough of the cyano out and only suffer from the most minimal dusting, which is hard to see or until the lights have been on for a few hours.
I recently purchased a bottle of something called Microbe lift special blend. I dosed yesterday and today. Lately I had a bacterial bloom as I removed a bunch of matrix from my hob filter and finally realized this bacteria bloom was because the sudden change in my tanks ability to process the bio load. It was an attempt to keep a nutrient source to foster micro organism growth but not done in a smart way lol. Anyways, this stuff completely cleared my tank water in 24 hours. My water is literally invisible and so cleaned up. It's absolutely crystal clear.
I will keep updating as it's only been two days. But I'm hoping this stuff also adds enough bacteria to fuel the growth of other bacteria to out compete the remaining cyano.
Warning though, that special blend literally stinks to high hell lol. Just about as bad as falling face first into a septic tank lol. But seems to be really keeping my tank water crystal clear.
Tank is now pretty clean. I was able to get enough of the cyano out and only suffer from the most minimal dusting, which is hard to see or until the lights have been on for a few hours.
I recently purchased a bottle of something called Microbe lift special blend. I dosed yesterday and today. Lately I had a bacterial bloom as I removed a bunch of matrix from my hob filter and finally realized this bacteria bloom was because the sudden change in my tanks ability to process the bio load. It was an attempt to keep a nutrient source to foster micro organism growth but not done in a smart way lol. Anyways, this stuff completely cleared my tank water in 24 hours. My water is literally invisible and so cleaned up. It's absolutely crystal clear.
I will keep updating as it's only been two days. But I'm hoping this stuff also adds enough bacteria to fuel the growth of other bacteria to out compete the remaining cyano.
Warning though, that special blend literally stinks to high hell lol. Just about as bad as falling face first into a septic tank lol. But seems to be really keeping my tank water crystal clear.
Radicalrob1982
Member
Brian60077
Active member
I had a bunch of that red stuff a couple months ago, and started right after I did the first water change after upgrading the tank, and think because it was new sand and all new water, although the same rocks and corals and fish.... I did the water change much too soon. Now after forgetting to do a water change for 3 months, did one 2 weeks ago and one today it is basically all gone. Hopefully the 2 water changes so close together do not cause it to return, but want to get back on a schedule for maintenance, this has been the first time I have ever been able to keep anything alive in a saltwater tank, and very happy about that. Don't want to get in the habit of skipping maintenance, and start losing fish or corals.... would like to replace my 2 green star polyps that I think my flame angel ATE, but other than that no losses in a year.
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Radicalrob1982
Member
Radicalrob1982
Member
Hi all. Just reaching out again with some updates.
Never knew how important it was to purchase a di resin filter for my RO system. I've always ran a 3 stage for years but never had a problem until this tank. However, the water coming out that thing is so clear lol.
The benefit I'm seeing is that it's helping keep this red snot at bay by I guess removing the reaming unwanted items from the source water.
This week, the stuff is barely hanging on but can still see a very light dusting after the lights have been on for hours.
One thing I have noticed lately is that my pod population is non existent. To help this, I've purchased also a bottle of seachem remediation to help add some bacteria to the tank.
Since my no3 and po4 was non detectable, I'm slowly dosing no3 to keep it at 5ppm and my po4 at 0.05 for a balanced ratio, trying to encourage the beneficial bacteria sources to take a foothold. But something tells me this will likely take a good month or more before I start seeing a difference.
Pending on how bad the red stuff gets by the weekend, will determine my water change size. If I can barely see it, I'll just do 10%, wait and then test to keep nitrate and po4 at the levels I want. This way I can keep 90% of my nutrients and try to do some sand bed cleaning on the top only to help remove some it.
I think I may have a chance at winning this now but it's just gonna take some dedication and work to see it through.
I will keep up with the updates as they come
Never knew how important it was to purchase a di resin filter for my RO system. I've always ran a 3 stage for years but never had a problem until this tank. However, the water coming out that thing is so clear lol.
The benefit I'm seeing is that it's helping keep this red snot at bay by I guess removing the reaming unwanted items from the source water.
This week, the stuff is barely hanging on but can still see a very light dusting after the lights have been on for hours.
One thing I have noticed lately is that my pod population is non existent. To help this, I've purchased also a bottle of seachem remediation to help add some bacteria to the tank.
Since my no3 and po4 was non detectable, I'm slowly dosing no3 to keep it at 5ppm and my po4 at 0.05 for a balanced ratio, trying to encourage the beneficial bacteria sources to take a foothold. But something tells me this will likely take a good month or more before I start seeing a difference.
Pending on how bad the red stuff gets by the weekend, will determine my water change size. If I can barely see it, I'll just do 10%, wait and then test to keep nitrate and po4 at the levels I want. This way I can keep 90% of my nutrients and try to do some sand bed cleaning on the top only to help remove some it.
I think I may have a chance at winning this now but it's just gonna take some dedication and work to see it through.
I will keep up with the updates as they come
Radicalrob1982
Member
Just wanted to provide an update photos as well. Sand is staying consistently good all things considered
Radicalrob1982
Member
Thanks
I bought a skimmer not long ago. The tunze 9001. It's the best skimmer I ever bought. Have it set for a thick skim so only have to empty it about every 3 days or so.
Also went and got some nassarius snails and a conch with some astrea snails. They first two should help keep the sand stirred.
My only issue now is a waiting game. I think what I need to do is keep doing 10% water changes weekly and try to remove the red slime/dust while maintain a positive detectable nutrient level. For now, I'll just try to keep it 5 ppm no3 and 0.05 po4 for a 100 to 1 ratio and see how that goes. It's definitely a decent and not high starting point.
I guess time will tell lol.
Radicalrob1982
Member
Hi all, just providing an update
For some odd reason, this round brown dust is getting worse on the sand, even though introducing a DI filter to my RO system.
I went out of my way today to go buy some pods seeing that I cant see or find any on a daily basis in my tank. I'm sure the addition will be a benefit.
Anyhow, corals overall look healthy lately, but not blooming. However, do have a consistent n03 reading of approximately 5ppm which is nice to see
Unfortunately ran out of hi774 ulr phosphate reagents so I have no ideas what po4 is. The darn things are sold out everywhere. But at least looking to get some as soon as possible.
Finding lately my glass needs cleaned 3 times a day to remain clear. This is surely a sign of excessive nutrients. Whatever this brown stuff is, is consuming the nutrients before they show up on the test kit. It's a clear indication with the coral health. I honestly don't over feed, quit dosing the photo daily to once or twice a week. I also only have been doing a mysis feed once a week for coral food.
Literally not sure where all this film algae is coming from, unless it's the fact that my live rock is old and leaching nutrients .
I literally have clove polyps that haven't grown literally one bit in 6 months now that I look at it. But my candy cane has grown almost 2 new heads lol. but then my GSP is growing great. I literally am at the point where I don't understand what's going on and it's very disheartening. Seems to me my tank will never reach balance. It's around the 18 month mark and no signs of equilibrium
For some odd reason, this round brown dust is getting worse on the sand, even though introducing a DI filter to my RO system.
I went out of my way today to go buy some pods seeing that I cant see or find any on a daily basis in my tank. I'm sure the addition will be a benefit.
Anyhow, corals overall look healthy lately, but not blooming. However, do have a consistent n03 reading of approximately 5ppm which is nice to see
Unfortunately ran out of hi774 ulr phosphate reagents so I have no ideas what po4 is. The darn things are sold out everywhere. But at least looking to get some as soon as possible.
Finding lately my glass needs cleaned 3 times a day to remain clear. This is surely a sign of excessive nutrients. Whatever this brown stuff is, is consuming the nutrients before they show up on the test kit. It's a clear indication with the coral health. I honestly don't over feed, quit dosing the photo daily to once or twice a week. I also only have been doing a mysis feed once a week for coral food.
Literally not sure where all this film algae is coming from, unless it's the fact that my live rock is old and leaching nutrients .
I literally have clove polyps that haven't grown literally one bit in 6 months now that I look at it. But my candy cane has grown almost 2 new heads lol. but then my GSP is growing great. I literally am at the point where I don't understand what's going on and it's very disheartening. Seems to me my tank will never reach balance. It's around the 18 month mark and no signs of equilibrium
