It's been three months and things have greatly improved. If anyone runs across this issue in the future, here is a run down of my process for my 75 gallon tank.
-I treated twice with Ultra-Life for blue-green algae, 2 months apart. It really helped to knock the cyano back to a manageable level.
-7 hour photo period. (even shorter at first, maybe as short as 5 hrs)
-30-40% regular what changes.
-I use carbon every-other time I clean my XP3.
-Down to only 3 big shells. (I think the dead fish in the shells where the cause)
-Clean the leaves of all my plants with my fingers, during water changes. (I noticed a slime build up, and like to nip it right away)
-Slightly cut down on the amount of food at each feeding. (Slightly)
It's not totally gone, but it's definitely under control. I mostly notice it on the java-fern that are up top, really close to the lamp. Also, the cyano really seems to rely on the other plants. I'll find it around the roots, or notice a little slime on the leaves. But it no longer grows on the back glass, or on the rocks, or on top of the sand.
These are all good signs, and I am happy to manage the tiny bit that I see. The key seems to be water changes, and shorter photo periods.
I hope this is helpful to others.