Cyano Problem

[robertfah]

Ok, so I've got a cyano problem.....how can I get rid of it? It's been in my tank for about a month now and my levels are:

PH: 8.3
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
Ammonia: 0
Phosphates: not tested

All that in a 155g tank with 8 large Nassarious snails, 1 bali starfish, 2 skunk shrimp, 1 atlantic sea hermit crab and 6 or so blue & red legged hermit crabs.

I do have a RO/DI unit and use them for both WC's and top-offs, plus seeing as how there are no fish in there, I'm not over-feeding so I don't think that is an issue. I've also got 2 maxi-jet 900 PH's that are good for 230gph and a Mag 18b pump powering the return for 1800gph, so I don't think it's a flow issue either. Ugh!

I know I need to get a phosphate test kit, but it's been hard lately with the kids. At any rate, it's been like this for about a month and I've done PWC's every 2 weeks (of about 50-60g worth) and it still seems to be coming back. I've tried the Chemi-Clean that Foster & Smith recommend, but it's been a week on that and still nothing. It's continuing to grow back every time.

Any suggestions/ideas?

 

[bkwudzjeep]

Usually it is caused by high nitrates or nutrients.

Ways I have gotten rid of it is to increase flow and do water changes. Most chemicals are just a quick fix, and not a total cure.

Have you checked your TDS of your RO water? Extra nutrients and such may be coming from that as well.

Also,
[welcome]

I see you are somewhat local to me, have you checked out the Orlando Reef Club ORCA yet?

 

[robertfah]

ORCA? No not yet, never heard of it actually. But I'd love more information on it that's for sure.... =)

 

[Psionicdragon]

How old is your tank?

Are you running a skimmer? If you are running a skimmer with your chemi clean, then you are skimming it out. You need to turn it off for a few days while it works its attack on the cyano. However, you may have a resistent strain of bacteria.

 

[robertfah]

Ok, I tried to upload pics of this stuff to the gallery, but the file image is WAY too small and you can't see anything in the pic, so I uploaded them to my own website which you can view here:

Cynao Images

Some say it's cyano and some say it's bubble hair. Either way, how the heck do I get rid of it?

I've got 2 max-jet 900 (230gph) PH's on the back of my tank along with a return being powered by a MAG 18b (1800gph). SHould I move the PH's to the side of the tank?