Cyano Question

[sandstorm1221]

Hey Guys got a question for you all.

My tank has been up since 12-19-05, so bout 5 months. I have had at least one algae outbreak since then. I recently started dripping Kalk at night, which seemed to help and also bring some coraline around. Now recently, say the past week, my cyano has exploded.

I'm feeding my clown, cleaner shrimp and pep shrimp every other day a small mix of formula one and two by Ocean nutrition. I also do weekly water changes of 4-5 gallons, and have been since I had the tank cycled.

Is this just another outbreak or is something feeding this cyano, because if it is, I'm not sure where to look or figure out where the extra nutrition is comming from. Also would cyano inhibit coraline algae growth? I have well, none, except for a few small patches on my rock and the stuff that came on my LR when I bought it.

O btw:

Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates:0
Phosphates:0
Calc: 440
Alk: 4-5

This were with aquarium pharmacutical tests. I would like to get salfert tests I just dont have the money at the moment.


Thanks guys


Jim

 

[griss]

Jim,

Your tank is still fairly new, so this could still be part of the cycle. Also, IME, the AP test kits are not very accurate. So there could be higher nutrients in the tank than you think.

The best way to fight cyano is a multi-pronged attack.

1. Increase skimming.

2. Increase water flow. Add some powerheads (wavemaker optional) to the tank.

3. Increase water changes using RO or RO/DI water with your salt mix. 10% changes per week would not hurt

4. Normally I would say reduce feeding, but IMO, it doesn't sound like you are over feeding the tank.

HTH

 

[AdidaKev]

Very good advice from griss. I, too, had a cyano attack about 3 months into my tank. Increasing the flow was the best thing to make it go away.

 

[sandstorm1221]

I currently have two power heads on the tank. The main one is a 400 gph all day long from the left side of the tank to the right. It provides great flow and my fish and shrimp like to swim in it and catch whatever they can as it goes by. Also I have a 110 gph powerhead that comes on at night blowing water across one of my rock faces in the opposite direction slighty farther back in the tank. I believe there is enough flow.

I will up my changes to 10 a week if i can. I have a 110 gpd RO/DI unit but i think its a little less than that. takes a good 15 min to make a gal of water.

I'm looking into getting the Salfert tests like I said, althought nickles are tight and I need a new car. Some good finacial managment along with some logical thinking should be able to get me a few tests.

Thanks again guys

Jim