[Isozephyr]

Hello everyone, this 55 gal has been set up for almost a year. 25% RO/DI water changes weekly, 2 maxi jet powerheads placed for optimum water movement and mag 12 return with custom spraybar. Lighting has been 1 48" Actinic White VHO 110 watts, and 1 48" Super Actinic VHO 110 watts, and 30 gal sump with caulerpa and chaeto. My coraline id doing great but this black stuff wont go away.

[Reefland]

Hi Isozephyr,


That is Cyanobacteria, a very common algae in reef aquariums with excessive nutrients. What do you do for protein skimming? Does it only grow on your sandbed?

[Isozephyr]

I use a Remora Pro which runs 24/7, and also I use Oceanic natural sea salt mix since I started. It only covers parts of my sand bed and nowhere else. If it wasn't for this bacteria, I would have a beautiful looking sand bed as the parts that aren't covered with cyanobacteria are beautifully white. I'm confused.

[Reefland]

What are your nitrate readings? Since this doesn't appear to be a full blown outbreak, you might just try to increase the amount of water flow in the areas that it grows as increased movement will discourage it's growth.

[charlie]

I think Scott has got this nailed. Maybe add another powerhead to get more flow to those areas. It looks like those are sheltered areas anyways. You didn't mention anything about a refugium. Is it possible that you might be able to add one?

[trentruf]

increase your water flow, maybe cut down on amount of food.

[rjs5134]

I had the same issue, and Scott, i think, told me the same, more flow... I haven't seen cyano since. I just adjusted my Seio slightly to ensure movement over the affected area. Thanks Scott.