Can I convert cyano to algae?

[Nick Rose]

Cyanobacteria filament densities lie on a continuum that is determined by the amount of food, light, CO2 and waste removal. As cyanobacteria grow in length and number, and depending on conditions, they either stay in place to produce a visible film, or disperse to optimize living conditions and remain invisible to the aquarist.

If a tank has a large amount of Co2 could that give cyano a advantage?

 

[Dan_P]

If a tank has a large amount of Co2 could that give cyano a advantage?

Good question! At first blush I would say “yes”, high CO2 would have a beneficial effect. But then I got to thinking, does cyanobacteria take up CO2 or bicarbonate? I need a refresher on cyanobacteria preference for inorganic carbon.

 

[Nick Rose]

Another question I have is, what happens if you just let it run its course? Lets say the cyano is just on the sand bed. Would it eventually consume what ever it is consuming and then die off?