thick red algae

[js_bass]

I am getting thick red algae. I think it is cyno... something. I had it once before, people said to increase water flow. I doubled to powerhead movement. If any one has any advice, it would be greatly apreciated. Thanks

 

[thugmebaby]

your box is full

and sounds liek cyano. Is this on the 180?? If so increase flow and it could be some spike in conditions due to tank moving and sand bed being disturbed.

 

[js_bass]

No, this is in my 90g. The 180 is doing great. Also i dont think i over feed my fish. I heard that may cause it also

 

[js_bass]

pms clear

 

[Coralfreak]

Make sure your skimmer is running the best it can, clean it up and then set it to run a little on the wet side. I have found that wet skimming can sometimes knock down cyano outbreaks. I assume your are using RO/DI water for both water changes and top off?? Make sure it has a TDS of 0.

Have you tested for PO4? Are you using anything to control phosphates?

 

[jtesdall]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11024447#post11024447 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Coralfreak
Make sure your skimmer is running the best it can, clean it up and then set it to run a little on the wet side. I have found that wet skimming can sometimes knock down cyano outbreaks. I assume your are using RO/DI water for both water changes and top off?? Make sure it has a TDS of 0.

Have you tested for PO4? Are you using anything to control phosphates?

What he said .......
Also check Nitrates.

 

[atram]

Also check your calcium and Alk levels. Alkalinity should be 7-11 dKH. I had a cyano outbreak a while back and it cleared when I adjusted my alkalinity to the proper levels.

 

[Nanemene]

I don't believe in the "increased flow" solution. It may help reduce future occurences or lessen their impact, but it's really useless in treating the problem. For some reason, everyone always goes for that solution first, even people who've never had cyano in their tanks. The only solution I found that actually worked was water changes and phosphate absorbers. That, and constantly disturbing the stuff until it was gone.

 

[Atticus]

The increased flow does not allow it to settle and is a treatment for a symptom of a larger problem. As Atram stated check your Alk and Calcium levels I too have found a link between cyano occurance and ionic imbalance. Seems that low alk allows the outbreak in many cases and low alk can be connected to skewed calcium or magnesium levels. Also look to the other common causes the other have posted NO3, NO4, PO4... (Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate)

 

[phishcrazee]

I agree with the low alk causing it...... mine got too low recently, and voila, cyano Increase the alk and it goes away

 

[js_bass]

Thanks for all of the information, always helpful.