Cyano/Red Slime

[trrunner]

I have been having an interesting time to say the least with Cyano algae. Large patches on the substrate, on some rock and 2 - 3 sq inch patches on the glass in a number of places. Seems very selective because not all of the rock fell victim to this.

I picked up a product called CHEMICLEAN RED SLIME REMOVER on the advice of another reefer and to my surprise it worked extremely well.

So that all sounds well and good but it's one thing to get rid of it BUT it will probably be back because I haven't figured out what the cause is.

Need some advice from the experienced folks out there to help find the cause rather than just treat the problem

Thanks in advance

[Myka]

Excess nutrients, always. Usually phosphate is the main culprit. Try using a reactor with GFO in it to absorb the phosphate.

[Prauphitter]

Also, check nitrates.

[Jacque]

Cyanobacteria is a single celled algae which means that it can be destroyed by uv radiation. However, high nutrients will ensure proliferation regardless of uv

[Jon123]

Large patches on the substrate, on some rock and 2 - 3 sq inch patches on the glass in a number of places. Seems very selective because not all of the rock fell victim to this.

Cyano likes to grow in stagnant areas - and so if often found on the substrate. Increasing the flow over these dead spaces should atleast hinder it returning.

Jon

[Myka]

Cyano likes to grow in stagnant areas - and so if often found on the substrate. Increasing the flow over these dead spaces should atleast hinder it returning.

Jon

Good call Jon.

[trrunner]

Thanks all. Have checked the phosphates twice over the last 2 weeks and the readings are negligible. New testing kit - Salifert. Tested with 2 different Nitrate brands and both readings were 20 PPM. Did a large water change yesterday so will be testing again Sunday.

Have changed the directional flow a bit so hope that helps.

Thanks again

[Myka]

Waterchanges will do nothing to lower nitrate (or phosphate). You have to lower the amount of organic breakdown. Lower bioload, feed less, get a better skimmer or clean/adjust the current one, get more powerheads or adjust/clean current ones to prevent detritus settling. Just generally keep the tank cleaner.

Both phosphate and nitrate readings can be skewed. If there is a significant amount of algae or cyano in the tank then the nitrate and/or phosphate can be bound in the algae or cyano and essentially used up as quickly as it is produced. You really only get a good nitrate and phosphate reading when there is no nuisance algae in the tank.

[trrunner]

Agreed. The large water change had to do with the process to follow after using the ChemiClean. As of today, there hasn't been any occurence of the Cyano.

[Myka]

Agreed. The large water change had to do with the process to follow after using the ChemiClean. As of today, there hasn't been any occurence of the Cyano.

Ah ok. The way you stated it it sounded as if you expected the waterchange to help lower your nitrate. Good waterchange practices can definitely contribute to lowering the nitrate in the long run though if you're siphoning detritus, cyano, and algae from the tank. Simply removing saltwater and putting fresh saltwater in doesn't lower nitrate.

The ChemiClean should keep the tank cyano free for at least a week or two. Sometimes it is a "permanent" solution though, as it just gives you that one step ahead.