Is this algae?

[Lalaallieu]

I just talked about how my tank has cycled and I’ve got a diatom bloom but I care home from nursing school with this red in places. I’ve never ever had this in a tank before! Please help! Is my tank going to be ruined?

Lauren

 

[Daniel92481]

What are you parameters? Maybe someone can help you. How long has your tank been up and running?

 

[Bulletsponge]

being red like that could be cyano. Do you have any red patches on the sand? usually cyano can be kept away with flow though so not the end of the world

 

[mcdrichj]

It looks like cyano.

 

[lapin]

Your tank will be fine. Cyano is not a death sentence. Its a type of bacteria. It is very common and likes 2 things. No water movement and a lot of light. It should go away as your tank matures. Other things will compete with it for light and nutrients. Your best bet for now is to either siphon it out when you do water changes or blow it off the rocks and let your filter trap it. Point a powerhead at where it is growing. I have it in my 2 year old tank and the little bit of red on some rocks gives it that red/green xmas look.