cyno bacteria???

[racerX]

I'm pretty sure that its cyno. its like red velvet on the sand. Its only growing in one area of the tank and its about 3 inches by 2 inches. I keep vacunming it up but it comes back. I've moved power heads to try to change the current. Is there some sort of natural control method? like a certin crab or snails? its kinda in the back of the tank is there a problem in leaving it? Any help would be apreciated.

Thanks,
Shane

 

[Guy W]

is your tank new? I've never seen a new tank not get a cyno cycle. Mine took about 2 months to go away completely. But it eventually fizzled out on it's own.

Things to help limit it are to use a good water source, such as RO or RO/DI, cut back the lights if your longer than 8 hours a day, make sure nutrient levels (nitrate and phosphates) are zero. I don't think there is any invert that will eat Cynobacteria, well maybe there is but none i'm away of.

 

[racerX]

the tank is about six months old. I've tested all the nutrients and such. everything seems normal. I have coraline alge growing and had a small problem with bubble alge as well but have sense resolved them both. It just baffles me due to it only being in the one small area. well thanks for the help.

Shane

 

[Max]

probably not enough current in the area. I'd say you have red slime algae from the sounds of it. My hermits pick at it but, I"m not sure that they really eat any of it. I'd double check my skimming and nutrient levels in the water that's probably the culprit. Hard to say though without seeing it.
hth just my 2 cents
chris

 

[Triggerman]

Check for phosphates or have your lfs do so.