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Ann_A 
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Joined: August 18 2011
Location: Kaysville, UT
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 Topic: Figure this one out for me...
Posted: December 22 2012 at 1:46pm |
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So I have a nasty patch of cyano up on a rock right under my lights. The trouble is that I can't find a cause for it.
I run a fuge, have a strong cuc, and do water changes every 2 months or so. After testing the tank parameters here are my results:
Nitrate ~2-3ppm
Phosphate 0.01ppm
Calcium 410ppm
Alkalinity 11.6 dKH
Ph 8.3
I should also note that there were no nitrites or ammonia present. There's also plenty of flow through the area since it is right by my MP10 and 900gph return nozzle.
I run carbon in the back, changed every month, and do not run a skimmer anymore. However the problem started back when I still ran the skimmer two weeks ago. I did a 20 gallon water change Saturday in the hopes of killing it off but it came back after I suctioned it off. After using all natural methods I could think of I used a half dose of chemiclean for my tank (30 gallon treatment).
So I'll be doing another 20 gallon water change tomorrow too. Any ideas what could be causing this issue?
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Jeffs_little_ocean
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Joined: October 04 2009
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Posted: December 22 2012 at 2:28pm |
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Too many nutrients in the water. Usually from over feeding. Thats crazy where it is in your tank because cyano hates high flow. Chemiclean always cures it. Im not usually a fan of chemicals but that one is ok.
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Life is good....right?
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ReefdUp
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Joined: March 20 2011
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Posted: December 22 2012 at 3:50pm |
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I'm also guessing high nutrients...just b/c they don't show up on a test kit doesn't mean they aren't there. I'd increase your water change frequency and run some GFO.
How old are your lights? If they're due for a change, that could be part of the issue.
Also, I never recommend dosing ChemiClean. It's erythromycin, which is an antibacterial. It'll kill off beneficial bacteria as well as the cyano. As an alternative, you can dose bacteria that can outcompete the cyano for nutrients (I like Prodibio).
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www.reefdup.com
Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987
200g, 75g, & 15g Systems
PADI Advanced Open Water
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Adam Blundell
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Posted: December 22 2012 at 4:54pm |
Cyano isn't bad. I've seen lots of it on very healthy reefs in the wild. In a way it is taking up the extra nutrients, so don't panic with a small patch of it... just keep an eye on nutrients.
Adam
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Fatman
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Joined: December 23 2011
Location: South Weber, UT
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Posted: December 22 2012 at 5:25pm |
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You may not see the nitrates or PO4 because the cyano is consuming it. I'd also recommend a more frequent water change routine.
Fat
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Ann_A
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Location: Kaysville, UT
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Posted: December 22 2012 at 8:29pm |
Alright so I went to AD to have them check my chemistry and they got nitrates at 15ppm but the same as me on everything else.
Time for a new nitrate test kit...and a 30 gallon water change tomorrow
Plus the bulbs are a year old, but knowing exactly what I'm getting for Christmas (I ordered everything) does help with that aspect of things...
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