Hi long time lurker, first time poster. I've had my tank set up for 7 months now, slowly adding livestock and getting my filtration and flow just right.
I've had some algae outbreaks that were "typical" of a new tank, but now my refugium kicked into gear and is absorbing nitrates and phosphates really well. The API test barely detect them, and on the last electronic test at the LFS, I got 1 nitrates and phosphates under 0.1. Other water params:
150 gallon display with 25 gallon sump/refugium
Temp 78-80 (it's been very hot outside, heaters are set to 77 - I added a fan and trying to keep it under 79).
0 ammonia 0 nitrites.
Ph 8.0 alk 130 (currently dosing to slowly bring up).
Salinity 1.026
Calc and mg at the higher end of range.
I have 3x hydras 32, running them at 60% for about 6 hrs a day, and about 8 hours I run some dim UV/blue/moon light for enjoying my corals at night.
I think my feedings have been very sensible. I don't see food going to waste, what little gets missed by the fish gets swarmed by nassarius snails and hermit crabs.
So my issue is that now what looks like cyano is growing on sand (and almost exclusively on sand! Besides 2 small areas on the rock). I've physically removed 75% of it twice, dug some of the rest into the sand, but I am noticing it's increasing in intensity now with daily growth. Is this just a normal part of the cycle 7 months in?
Most of the advice online says "fix your water params" or "get better lighting". I can do more water changes (currently do 20% about every 3 weeks), but without much nitrates and phosphates is that really gonna help?
Anybody been stuck in a similar situation? Would love to hear your thoughts. I promise to come back later and update on my situation to help future reefers.
Thanks!
I've had some algae outbreaks that were "typical" of a new tank, but now my refugium kicked into gear and is absorbing nitrates and phosphates really well. The API test barely detect them, and on the last electronic test at the LFS, I got 1 nitrates and phosphates under 0.1. Other water params:
150 gallon display with 25 gallon sump/refugium
Temp 78-80 (it's been very hot outside, heaters are set to 77 - I added a fan and trying to keep it under 79).
0 ammonia 0 nitrites.
Ph 8.0 alk 130 (currently dosing to slowly bring up).
Salinity 1.026
Calc and mg at the higher end of range.
I have 3x hydras 32, running them at 60% for about 6 hrs a day, and about 8 hours I run some dim UV/blue/moon light for enjoying my corals at night.
I think my feedings have been very sensible. I don't see food going to waste, what little gets missed by the fish gets swarmed by nassarius snails and hermit crabs.
So my issue is that now what looks like cyano is growing on sand (and almost exclusively on sand! Besides 2 small areas on the rock). I've physically removed 75% of it twice, dug some of the rest into the sand, but I am noticing it's increasing in intensity now with daily growth. Is this just a normal part of the cycle 7 months in?
Most of the advice online says "fix your water params" or "get better lighting". I can do more water changes (currently do 20% about every 3 weeks), but without much nitrates and phosphates is that really gonna help?
Anybody been stuck in a similar situation? Would love to hear your thoughts. I promise to come back later and update on my situation to help future reefers.
Thanks!