RED CYANO HAIR ALGAE NO GO AWAY!!!

[camel shrimp]

I have had a cyano and hair algae explosion in the last few weeks. I have tried a phosphate sponge and chemi-clean-- neither of which have worked. Any suggestions on what I can use to eradicate this problem?????

 

[BROKER]

Have you tried a water change or placing a powerhead to get more circulation in that area?

 

[BROKER]

If the aquarium filter is spent the water maybe the cause of the problem and that could be why the phosphate sponge is not helping. With a 120gal you must use the filter alot so doing a water change with a used filter will not help much. Take sample of your water to your LFS (if it is decent) and see if they can test it for phosphates. If it is a high reading you might want to think about getting a new water filter or an RO/DI filter and start new water changes.

 

[Jaffo_botz]

How long has your tank been running. Cyno breakouts are the norm for tanks under 1 year. Do as mentioned above with circulation, make sure skimmer's doing it's best.

Remove the Cyno with a piece of air hose (syphon it out). Don't just scrape it off as you're just spreading it around.

Lower amount of nutrients (food) for a time....and as BROKER mentioned, test your water for phosphates (and replace the 'cheapo' filter on your RO...)

 

[Laurie]

If your tank is fairly young, don't sweat it. It will probably clear itself up eventually. Get a couple of queen conchs. They will eat a lot of it and make it easier to look at. Add more detrivores and grazers. That can help a lot.

 

[camel shrimp]

I am going to test my water today at the LFS. Laurie thanks I think I'll look into getting a couple of conches.

 

[Fish Guy]

Increase circulation with power heads and add macroalgae to compete with the slime for available nutrients.

 

[camel shrimp]

Yes - there is a power head there but I just can't stop this stuff from continually growing. I did a massive water change (25%) and it helped very liitle.

 

[BROKER]

Do you use RO/DI for water changes? Do you feed heavily? Do you use a skimmer? You might want to continue doing water changes? I will usually do a 25% change than continue with 10% water changes with RO/DI. I have always noticed an outbreak when I overfeed or do not have enough circulation. Do you have a phosphate test kit?

How big is your tank?

[ November 02, 2001: Message edited by: BROKER ]</p>

 

[camel shrimp]

I use a cheapo a $25 quarium membrane filter, and I have a 120 gallon tank. I do not feed too heavily. I do have a skimmer (Aqua C) and I do not have phosphate test kit.
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Mercedes CLK GTR