Red Cyanobacteria

[ty.normann]

Hey All,

Fairly new to reefing!

About 2-3 months in and I have some red cyanobacteria that I just can’t seem to get rid of. I’ve done some research and would rather not use chemiclean but was wondering if you all had some tips or tricks!

All information is beneficial as i’m eager to learn more from you all!

2 Clown fish
1 six line wrasse
1 tiger pistol shrimp

Lots of lil corals!

20g

 

[smitten with ocean life]

can you try some pics that arent blue? with white light?

 

[ty.normann]

can you try some pics that arent blue? with white light?

my apologies!!

 

[smitten with ocean life]

#reefsquad

 

[Crabs McJones]

What do you have for a clean up crew? Ceriths and trochus snails may help. Manual removal with a turkey baster. Up your flow. Blackout period are also alternative ways to fight it

 

[ty.normann]

I do think I need to add some more CUC as I only have 1 snail and 1 blue hermit in there as of right now. How long would you recommend a black out period for?

 

[Crabs McJones]

I do think I need to add some more CUC as I only have 1 snail and 1 blue hermit in there as of right now. How long would you recommend a black out period for?

Oh yes. Up that clean up crew for sure. What size is the tank?
I would start there before the blackout. Generally I do 4 to 5 days blackout if it gets too extreme.

 

[NyReefer]

I've been running my fingers through the sand where it is and it seems to help. Tank gets a little "dirty" for a couple mins but in all the cyano is thinning out. Changing out the filter sock everyday also. I try to pinch up and remove the thicker pieces but most of the time it falls out of my fingers.

 

[Fish Fan]

I agree with Mr. Mayor above, first thing is manual removal, and if you don't have one already, get yourself a trusty turkey baster and blast it off the rocks and sand. Try to siphon out what you can. Increase your flow so that the rest of the stuff is taken up by your mechanical media, and then remove it. The Cyano likes to grow in low-flow areas, so increasing the flow is good all around. A dark period of a few days can help to knock it back a little too, without any ill effects on the livestock.

Good luck!

 

[ty.normann]

I do think I need to add some more CUC as I only have 1 snail and 1 blue hermit in there as of right now. How long would you recommend a black out period for?

Oh yes. Up that clean up crew for sure.
I would start there before the blackout. Generally I do 4 to 5 days blackout if it gets too extreme.

I really appreciate it! I know you said Cerithus and Trochus are good, are there any additional you believe are also great?

 

[Crabs McJones]

I really appreciate it! I know you said Cerithus and Trochus are good, are there any additional you believe are also great?

Some hermits will also eat it

 

[NyReefer]

I really appreciate it! I know you said Cerithus and Trochus are good, are there any additional you believe are also great?

Conch, Nassarius and Ceriths for Sand. Trochus, Turbo, Cerith for rock and glass. IMO

 

[Rocks reef]

This hasnt been asked, but what are your parameters?
Something I have found out and others is adding copepods and dosing phyto.
Like mentioned, manual removal with turkey baster. If you have a filter sock, siphon the water through that too keep it put of your tank.
Increase flow.

 

[Idoc]

Your tank is extremely new. You don't have the biodiversity in the system yet to help control or equalize the nutrients. Be careful not to feed too much with such a small amount of fish. Many new reefers tend to over feed their fish which results in excess nutrients in the system. Then when the nutrients are out of whack, cyano shows up. Stir up the sand bed regularly, blow it off the rocks, change your filter socks often and just ride the tank uglies to the finish line eventually.

 

[i cant think]

Hey All,

Fairly new to reefing!

About 2-3 months in and I have some red cyanobacteria that I just can’t seem to get rid of. I’ve done some research and would rather not use chemiclean but was wondering if you all had some tips or tricks!

All information is beneficial as i’m eager to learn more from you all!

2 Clown fish
1 six line wrasse
1 tiger pistol shrimp

Lots of lil corals!

20g

If the sixline wasn’t there, I’d add a Koumansetta goby - they constantly munch on Cyanobacteria. But due to them being captive bred now, they will also take to prepared foods.
If it’s on the sand alone, Rainfordi will work, if it’s on the sand and rock, Hectori is a better option.

 

[Denst]

Conch, Nassarius and Ceriths for Sand. Trochus, Turbo, Cerith for rock and glass. IMO

+1 for a conch, got one for mine and he yummed that cyano right up!