Cynobacteria issue

[basssnake]

One of my reef tanks has gotten some blackish brownish cynobacteria(at least that is what it looks like, it is slimy) in the last couple weeks. I checked my nitrates and they are 0ppm. I also checked the phosphates and they were .5ppm. Is that enough to cause this issue? My Ph checked to be 8.2 to 8.4. Please give some advice/comments. thanks

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Cyano is an entirely different beast. More flow and more light seems to get rid of it. if that isn't an option 3 days of lights out may take care of it.

 

[nikon187]

The phosphate is probably higher than .5 if the cyano is growing. The cyano is using up phosphate to grow possibly giving you a false reading on your test. Cyano is caused by 1 or a combination of things.

1. Lighting
2. water flow
3 nutrients

It is always one of the above.

 

[damseldude]

I found turning the lights off for a few days helps, but thats only if you solved the main
cause, otherwise it comes right back.

 

[gildorph]

I know some people disagree, but I had some start showing up in my tank after almost 3 years of being setup. I tried adjusting flow, checking parameters, etc but it seemed to come out of now where and start taking over. I went with a chemical solution (Called Red Slime Remover). My LFS sort of interrogated me to make sure it wasn't a general bad husbandry issue and then suggested I try it on a 1 time basis. I was amazed at how well it worked and how it had no impact on my tank including things like feather worms, anemone, corals, fish, macroalgea, etc. Just my experience ...

 

[hilltopfarms]

I know some people disagree, but I had some start showing up in my tank after almost 3 years of being setup. I tried adjusting flow, checking parameters, etc but it seemed to come out of now where and start taking over. I went with a chemical solution (Called Red Slime Remover). My LFS sort of interrogated me to make sure it wasn't a general bad husbandry issue and then suggested I try it on a 1 time basis. I was amazed at how well it worked and how it had no impact on my tank including things like feather worms, anemone, corals, fish, macroalgea, etc. Just my experience ...

Yes it works well... Just make sure you mix about half as much as directed in the instructions and don't plan on running your skimmer for a few days.

Also, cerith snails will eat cyano.

 

[Endemion]

3 days with the lights out took care of my cyano problem. It's been about 2 months now and I haven't seen any more.

 

[handfed]

lights out and cover tank with newspaper.

 

[tmz]

0.5ppm PO4 is high. Reducing it with gfo to less than 0.1ppm should help significantly.Siphon out what you can and do a 20% water change or two.

 

[sedor]

Sometimes a 3 day lights out can give it the kick it needs to finally completely die off, but in my experience this is only when the root of the problem is also being addressed. I would start with that and see what happens. If it comes right back, start looking into curing one or more of the 3 main causes. Everytime I see cyano its because my nitrates are high.

 

[basssnake]

My vho bulbs in that system are at least 5 years old. Could that be the issue? I never had much trouble before so i never changed the bulbs. Would putting my new bulbs maybe solve part of the problem?

 

[damseldude]

Yes your bulbs could be causing your concern. The bulbs have shifted color spectrum. Im pretty sure that vho are only good for 12-18 months.

 

[stevedola]

red slime remover is great. ive used it twice in 6 years on 2 different tanks and never had the issue arise again. use a air stone while treating and follow directions...also never lost a coral from either treatment.

 

[sedor]

Bulbs could definitely be part of the problem, but I would still look out for other causes. VHO bulbs are cheap. First things first, get those changed out and see if you notice a difference.

 

[basssnake]

I have new bulbs. I will change them and see what happens. any other comments?