Frag Tank Questions???

[btkrausen]

I have my display, 4 x 2 x 1 tank, in which the sand stays pearly white. Then, I have my frag tank (2x2x1) in which I'm getting Cyano on the sand. Both tanks are fed from and drain into the same sump, and the only diff are the lights and pumps.

Frag Tank -
1 x MP10
4 x 29w ATI bulbs

Display -
2 x MP20
2 x 150w Phoenix 14k

Any ideas on why I would be getting it in just the frag tank opposed to both, or even my display?

 

[Captain Nemo]

Probably you dont have enough flow in the frag tank. This is just my thought and experience with cyano. I would take care of it quick or it can spread to the DT. Try the red-slime killer by boyd's. think thats the name. Worked like a charm for me.

 

[btkrausen]

From what I see, there is a lot of flow in there from the MP10, as its turned about halfway up. I might drop it down a little bit so I can crank it up, or add a second powerhead to point towards that area.

 

[Troylee]

how old are the bulbs???? for the most part it sounds like your frag tank is becoming a nutrient factory which means you need to up the flow so the skimmer where ever it is can do it's job... in other words it wounds like every thing is collecting in the frag tank...

 

[btkrausen]

The bulbs are brand new, as I just changed to T5s on the frag tank like a month or two ago. All brand new ATI bulbs.

My skimmer already has a Bubble Blaster 3000 to it, and it pulls like crazy. I'm thinking flow has more to do with it than anything.

 

[btkrausen]

Think it would help if I pulled the sand out of the frag tank? The only reason its in there now is cause I have a Yasha in there, but I plan to get rid of all the fish in my frag tank (5)

 

[aalvarado87]

what they are getting at is possibly there isnt enough return getting from your frag tank to your sump. How many gallons per hour are you pushing? What could be happening is that the water isn't making its way back down to the skimmer like it should so granted your skimmer is well capable its jsut not getting the dirty water from the frag tank quick enough.

 

[thewackyreefer]

I'd take the sand out and turn up that MP!

 

[btkrausen]

Yeah, thats one reason I turned up the MP10, to get things moving inside the tank. I did just increase the return to the tank, but probably decreased it from my project this past weekend. haha.

I'll crank the return back up and see what happens. Thanks guys.

 

[Michael7979]

It is either your lights are mostlikely getting old and/or flow in the tank.
Flow is an easy fix and cheap. Lighting is the tough part.

But yeah try Boyd's ChemClean. Just follow the direction carefully.

 

[m and m]

I though cyno was from unsafficiont flow, i would just get on some WC increase the flow and syphone as much as possable out.

 

[Michael7979]

Cyano. is a bacteria.
Something has caused it to start. A build up of waste or something. Thats why flow is usually a cure once the problem is found and corrected.

I stated lights because old lights can cause algae to grow which can cause a build up of waste.

 

[m and m]

Cyano. is a bacteria.
Something has caused it to start. A build up of waste or something. Thats why flow is usually a cure once the problem is found and corrected.

I stated lights because old lights can cause algae to grow which can cause a build up of waste.

Thats why i said he needs tyo get up on his water changes it will help lower the po4 and no3 i would get some more flow in there or arrange what you have.

 

[btkrausen]

Yeah, it has to be flow. The lights are new and the water is the same system as the display tank, which is why I don't want to use chemicals or increase water changes. I'll play with the flow for the next few days to see if anything changes. Thanks for the responses so far.

 

[skinz78]

I agree it is a flow problem, if I see any in my tank I just add a little more flow and it dissipates.

 

[btkrausen]

Cool thanks. I didn't have a chance to get in and change it tonight (stupid HOA board meeting) but I'll be trying it tomorrow.

 

[Troylee]

I wouldn't put any chemicals in there mAn just up the flow and let the filtration do it's job... If the display and everything had cyano it would be different but I still wouldn't add chemicals it's just a band aid for nutrient problem IMHO.

 

[Henry C]

cyano is caused by nutrient buildup. Have you checked your phosphate level in that tank? When ever I had issues with cyano it was because my phosphates got to high. Chemi-Clean does work but as already stated it's just a band-aid...and it's also pretty strong stuff. I would take the sand out of the frag tank or add a clean up crew and do some 20% water changes to get the phophate levels down to an acceptable limit..