Chemiclean treatment

DmitryB · 2026-09-08T22:23:22-0400

Following a hair algae outbreak - fortunately miraculously dealt with - cyano has taken over my 170 gallon. About 2 weeks now I've had to turkey baste it off every coral frag in the tank multiple times a day. So I decided to go with Chemiclean and hope its reputation as effective and not harmful is real! I decided to use 17 scoops to account for tank - rocks + sump. I'd rather underdose than over.

One question on aeration. They recommend extra aeration and the skimmer, of course, went nuts. I turned off the skimmer, but it does provide great aeration. Any downsides to just taking the cup off and letting whatever it's skimming just go back into circulation?

Fish Fan · 2026-09-08T23:37:33-0400

Not in my opinion, during a Chemiclean treatment. Basically the same as just running an airstone, which is recommended.

I hope that helps

DmitryB · 2026-09-09T02:08:02-0400

Look at this craziness out of the skimmer!

EnterName · 2026-09-09T04:26:58-0400

Isn't your tank just a few weeks or maybe months old?

Are you sure this isn't just part of the tank's ugly phase and actually needs antibacterial treatment?

Mr. Mojo Rising · 2026-09-09T07:14:34-0400

Agree with above, I would try to beat it out naturally in a new tank, only 2 weeks of fighting cyano is not a big deal.

DmitryB · 2026-09-09T10:44:19-0400

Yes ideally you're right, but I felt this was more of an emergency because there are a bunch of tiny frags in the tank and the cyano is eating them alive. I turkey baste them multiple times a day and they're covered again quicker than I can keep up.

MichaelReefer · 2026-09-09T11:13:57-0400

Have you tried combating it with beneficial bacteria yet? Cyano probably took over because its so new.

DmitryB · 2026-09-09T11:14:53-0400

MichaelReefer said:
Have you tried combating it with beneficial bacteria yet? Cyano probably took over because its so new.

I've been dosing with Microbacter7, I'm not entirely sure that ever did anything. Is there something else you're thinking of? I'll try anything!

Randy Holmes-Farley · 2026-09-09T11:20:51-0400

DmitryB said:
Any downsides to just taking the cup off and letting whatever it's skimming just go back into circulation?

That’s what I do.

MichaelReefer · 2026-09-09T12:08:11-0400

DmitryB said:
I've been dosing with Microbacter7, I'm not entirely sure that ever did anything. Is there something else you're thinking of? I'll try anything!

How long did you do it for? Did you turn skimmer and pump off and let it sit for a bit? You're still in the ugly stage so things like this can clear up naturally.

exnisstech · 2026-09-09T12:12:35-0400

How did you beat the GHA? I made the mistake of using reef flux then came cyano so I used chemiclean then GHA again rinse and repeat. I got lucky and had a seam failure lol. Tank was a mess.

DmitryB · 2026-09-09T12:15:30-0400

exnisstech said:
How did you beat the GHA? I made the mistake of using reef flux then came cyano so I used chemiclean then GHA again rinse and repeat. I got lucky and had a seam failure lol. Tank was a mess.

Honestly I don't know!! I began by pulling it manually multiple times. And then I realized my Nitrate and Phosphate bottomed out, so I began to dose for Nitrate and feeding more. That may have helped - the GHA became very brittle, once removed (breaking off easily) it then didn't come back. But Cyano took over. Maybe cyano killed it!

DmitryB · 2026-09-09T12:17:04-0400

MichaelReefer said:
DmitryB said:

I've been dosing with Microbacter7, I'm not entirely sure that ever did anything. Is there something else you're thinking of? I'll try anything!

Click to expand...

How long did you do it for? Did you turn skimmer and pump off and let it sit for a bit? You're still in the ugly stage so things like this can clear up naturally.

I've been doing Microbacter7 since I set up the tank. Always turned off the skimmer for 3 hrs after. I did just order another gallon (!) of it and will keep using it. Not sure if it did anything, but can't prove a negative!

Aqua Ultraviolet · 2026-09-09T12:28:04-0400

DmitryB said:
Yes, leave the skimmer running without the collection cup during Chemiclean treatment. It will still provide valuable aeration and surface gas exchange, while avoiding an overflow from the excessive foam Chemiclean can cause.

The tradeoff is that it will recirculate wet foam and dissolved organics rather than remove them, so add a strong airstone or additional surface agitation as well. Once treatment is complete, perform the recommended water change and return the skimmer to normal operation.