Is it cyano?

TaiN

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Is it? The red/maroon algae that’s starting to form on my rocks,frag plugs and snails ?

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lapin

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could be if it blows off easy
 

Bfragale

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Does it easily brush off?

it could be cyano, but if it’s growing pretty strong and won’t wipe or brush off it could be red turf algae.
 
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TaiN

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Alright it’s blowing off easily, no idea how this happened. Wish me luck reefers.
 

Bfragale

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Not the end of the world lol.

personally in my experience if it’s not taking over the entire tank, and only a spot here or there it has cleared up on its own. Not sure if this is just me or if this is common. Seems the more mature tank gets the visual cyanos goes away.

but your could also use chemiclean - it does work well- but I think ultimately it needs good bacteria to outcompete it.
But keep in mind I am no expert, and I could be way off lol. Maybe others may chime in and let me know if I’m totally wrong lol.
Good luck my friend and happy reefing!
 

vetteguy53081

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Its Cyano. Cyano blooms typically start when water nutrient concentrations go haywire. Just like when you eat too much sugar and your waistline starts to bloom, the same happens in your tank when concentrations of phosphate, nitrate and other organic compounds are too high.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Protein skimmer which fills water with tiny air bubbles. As bubbles form from the reaction chamber, dissolved organic compound molecules stick to them. Foam forms at the surface of the water and is then transferred to a collection cup, where it rests as skimmate
- Overstocking / overfeeding, your aquarium with nutrients is often the culprit of a cyano bloom
- Adding live rock that isn’t completely cured which acts like a breeding ground for red slime algae
- If you don’t change your water with enough frequency, you’ll soon have a brightly colored red slime algae bloom. Regular water changes dilute nutrients that feed cyanobacteria and keeps your tank beautifully clear
- Using a water source with nitrates or phosphates is like rolling out the welcome mat for cyano. Tap water is an example
- Inadequate water flow, or movement, is a leading cause of cyano blooms. Slow moving water combined with excess dissolved nutrients is a recipe for pervasive red slime algae development

I recommend to reduce white light intensity or even turn them off for 5-7 days. Add liquid bacteria daily for a week during the day at 1.5ml per 10 gallons. Add Hydrogen peroxide at night at 1ml per 10 gallons. Add a pouch of chemipure Elite which will balance phos and nitrate and keep them in check.

After the week, add a few snails such as cerith, margarita, astrea and nassarius plus 6-8 blue leg hermits to take control.
 
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TaiN

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Thanks for the help everyone, let me give these helpful recommendations a whirl.
 
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