cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
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trailblaz0r - Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:49 pm
cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
Been battling cyanobacteria in my 75g mixed reef for weeks now. Tried manual removal, reduced feeding, even blackouts, but it keeps coming back. Running two AI Primes, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, 8 dKH. Any long-term fixes that won't nuke my Acros?
Re: cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
Had the same issue last year. What's your phosphate level? Cyano thrives when there's an imbalance between nitrate and phosphate. If it's undetectable, try dosing NeoPhos to 0.03 ppm while keeping nitrates around 5. Also, increase flow in dead zones with a cheap wavemaker.
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clawmaster - Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:06 pm
Re: cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
Yep, flow's key. I added a Jebao SLW-20 to my back corner and cyano cleared in two weeks. Just don't go ham with the GFO, or you'll crash your phosphates again.dunamis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 06, 2025 3:46 am Had the same issue last year. What's your phosphate level? Cyano thrives when there's an imbalance between nitrate and phosphate. If it's undetectable, try dosing NeoPhos to 0.03 ppm while keeping nitrates around 5. Also, increase flow in dead zones with a cheap wavemaker.
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alohavibes - Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 12:18 am
Re: cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
My 40g breeder had cyano after I switched salts. Tested everything, turned out my RODI filter was shot. TDS was 12. Replaced the cartridges and did three 20% changes over a week. Cyano's gone now. Maybe check your water source?
Re: cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
Seconding flow adjustments. Also, what's your cleanup crew like? I added 10 more Trochus snails and they graze on the cyano film. Not a full fix, but helps between water changes.
Re: cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
Weird vibe, but my cyano vanished after I stopped using Brightwell CoralAmino. Started dosing AcroPower instead. Dunno if it's coincidence, but maybe check your additives?
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trailblaz0r - Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:49 pm
Re: cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
Thanks for the tips, all. Phosphate was 0.01 last I checked. Gonna test the RODI, bump flow with an old MP10, and grab some Trochus snails this weekend. Will report back.
Re: cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
My LFS said cyano's normal in new tanks. Mine's 4 months old. Should I just wait it out?
Re: cyanobacteria in coral tank woes
I used ChemiClean once. Worked fast but my Zoas closed up for days. Wouldn't recommend unless it's real bad.