Cyno

lots of ways, more flow, water changes, medication, chemical additive. Depends on how bad it is, the first 2 should take care of your problem.
 
OK, I just added a small pump last night. I'm already doing 50% weeklys on it. What meds & who can they harm? Anything eat it?
 
Jeni, it should go away with what you're doing. I have used Boyds chemi-clean before, reef safe but a band aid type solution.
This was also something I found out about but haven't ever tried it....
"Others have found cyanobacteria surviving, and sometimes blooming,
in tanks that have excellent water quality. They used a schedule of
Freshwater Maracyn to eradicate the infestation:
One 200 mg tablet per 50 gallons total water capacity (don't forget
the sump and skimmers) dosed daily for 5 days. Their experience is
that this will permanently cure the problem, without any return. Of
course, if the bacteria is re-introduced to the tank, all bets are off.
They also disable the skimmer during the treatment, and siphon off all
dead and dying material after day 3."


I'm only suggesting this as a last resort. All other methods to eliminate cyano should be exhausted first. Freshwater Maracyn is an anti-biotic, (erythromycin) and it's very possible, if the directions aren't followed correctly, to develop an anti-biotic resistant strain of cyano, so, use at your own risk. You must treat the tank for the full 5 days, 7 is even better.

The Freshwater Maracyn will not kill the biological bacteria in a marine tank. Also, I did not have anemones at the time, but I would be concerned as to what effect the Maracyn may have on them. Fish, corals, crabs and snails seemed unaffected.

Disabling the skimmer and siphoning off dead algae is a very important part of the treatment. The skimmer will go nuts because it's removing the medication. A couple water changes after the final treatment should also be done before the skimmer is turned back on.

Bob
 
I do have anemones in there--I started my propogation project w/them & then got some overflow of LR & corals from Arash.
 
I think that was Bob Fenner's reply to a question about red slime algae.
Jeni, you souldn't have to go that direction, You can get rid of it with what you're doing now.
 
CHEMICLEAN works wonders! I use it every so often with an outbreak. Turn off skimmer, use 3/4 of recommended amount, then do your water change after 24-48 hours.

The real deal, I;ve personally never seen any bad reaction from SPS, LPS, softies, Spirobranchus, any livestock.
 
blackout the tank will work too. I used to have cyno growing over the macros in my fuge. One day, the light didn't work and I didn't pay attention until several days later. When I got the light working again, the tank was as clean as it could be without the cyno:)
 
Be patient. Your tank is probably in its cycle, therefore nutrient levels are high. Get some chaeto and do water changes. I have chaeto if you need any.
 
I have a little in there, that came with the pods I got for the Mandarin in there. Could I put some in the side of my Backpac, where the plue plastic strips are?
 
I used chem clean about 2 yrs ago. It worked well w no cyano since.

It is a pain though to do the numerous water changes and your skimmer willl go nuts for about a week.
 
I wouldnt use chemicals.. lower nitrates (better skimming and water changes, Keep pH and alk up(Kalk additions), more water flow (more water flow :) ), run carbon, check salinity and get it up to 35ppt (if its not) and keep the temps stable. And most of all, dont sweat it too much. Most tanks will go through periods of cyano patches here and there. especially during a season /temp change. As long as its not smothering everything, dont worry, just syphon it out when you get a chance.
 
I completely agree with Rod, and would add that neither RSR nor Chemiclean list their ingredients. I used one once, cyano returned after a week.

It's a product of something, and Rod's suggestions are aimed at attacking that problem. Make sure you have enough cleaners in there. You can add nitrifying bacteria as a boost too ... I prefer one called "Microbelift Special Blend" ... strictly nitrifying bacteria and if used as directed can really help.
 
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