cyano with zero nitrates?

[PONCHDOG2000]

so i came home from my vacation to find some red cynobacteria growing on my sand bed. but when i tested my water my nitrates came to zero. how is this possible? my test kit is not old i got it about a month ago. how can i grow cyanobacteria with zero nitrates? i also have a really healthy clump of chaeto, how can i have pest algaes (growing on a gorgonian) if my nitrates read zero? thanks!

 

[graveyardworm]

Many of the nuisance alga/bacteria are better at utilizing PO4 IMO, and even with Nitrates undetectable they can thrive. Just because your test kit isnt indicating any nitrates doesnt mean it isnt there. It may be below your kits readable limit, or it may be bound in various alga. As the nitrates run low the alga better suited to live with very low nitrates will become more apparent.

Gorgonians need high flow, and darkness to help prevent epiphytic algae growth.

 

[Rockitmakr]

Well said David!
:beer: