Cyano algae problem

[jenny]

hi guys,does anybody herwknows why my phosphate n nitrate level is 0 but still growing syatto algae? thanks!

 

[KathyC]

hi guys,does anybody herwknows why my phosphate n nitrate level is 0 but still growing syatto algae? thanks!

Do you mean Cyano ?


Your phosphate & nitrate levels are high. The cyano is using the phosphates & nitrates to feed itself, so the test reads zero (or other low numbers), but the problem is still there.


What kind of test kits are you using? It is near impossible to get an accurate phosphate reading using a chemical type test kit. A Hanna phosphate check will give a more accurate measurement.


How bad is the problem? Have you tried anything to lower your nitrates & phosphates?

 

[DallasNYC]

Do you mean Cyano?
It may be because of old lights? But mostly it's due to Nutrients in the water including Phosphate and Nitrate.
So double check you measurements.
Most phosphate test are not very accurate.
Siphoning out as much as possible, eliminating detritis, increasing flow, mechanical filtration, phosphate absorbers, etc all help.

 

[peteyboyny]

Are you using tap water or RO (reverse osmosis)?

 

[ZANYMASTER]

I'm having this issue too and increased flow and still have it in some spots and running pellets as well but it'll be a while before they work.Maybe my Led's are causing it.Not sure.

 

[Moneymaks24]

When I turn on the red LEDs on my fixture, I start growing hair algae in the tank. It wouldn't cause cyano outbreak, just hit it w a treatment of Chemiclean and make sure to blow off all detritus weekly from rocks and don't forget to vacuum the sand bed 1/4 or less at a time. Weekly WC and you should be in the clear.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

I keep thinking it's the water but Tds reads zero.Would changing the membrane help?Its not old or anything

 

[ChrisB]

I just got rid of mine , every other day I would syphon it off by starting a syphon and place the other end of hose in sump with a nylon mesh bag on the end to catch the cyano. I also used Brightwell microbacter 7, 1/2 dose everyday and my weekly WC . They say its a ratio of good n bad bacteria or something like that. Now If I could just get rid of green algae lol