The Planted Tank Forum banner
Cancel

Very confused on cyano algae

838 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Noahma, 
B
Hello, I've been dealing with cyano algae for a while now, and I'm confused on a treatment/preventative measures. My LFS said that its probably being caused by high phosphates and nitrates in my tap water and that I should buy RO water from them to fix the problem. Every time I've ever tested my tank/ tap water I've always gotten a zero reading?

Also due to my paranoia about phosphates and nitrates I've never fertilized for them. On a lark last week I bought some phosphate/nitrogen and dosed 1ppm phosphate and 10ppm nitrogen. I saw results over night in my plants growth! Bright red leaves are now growing on my melon sword, my hygrophila has new growth and the older leaves have "perked up." It's great that I have new growth, but I'm still struggling with cyano algae.


I do weekly water changes and filter cleanings, and gravel vac once a month.

Tank is a 30 gallons (36x12x16)
My filtration is an aquaclear 50, and a hydropro 2 sponge.
lighting is a 36inch planted+, sitting on glass lid with a screen to diffuse light.
substrate is Floramax
Save Share
Reply Quote
1 - 2 of 2 Posts
jmf3460

· Registered
Joined
·
1,334 Posts
#2 ·
based on what I have learned, cyano forms as a result of stale/stagnant water flow. meaning the places it forms has too low of flow/not enough oxygen. happens for me in tall tanks mostly. there is a relationship between phosphates and cyano but the debates on that theory make me wonder. you can treat easiest with ethromycin and it will be gone, but if you don't figure out what the cause is (which for me was low flow) it will come back. Once I added an airstone, the cyano disappeared within about a month. I did it this way instead of adding em because I don't like using chemicals/medicines in my tanks.
 
jmf3460

· Registered
Joined
·
1,334 Posts
#5 ·
yes, it would also help to add an air stone. liquid co2 will help also. best thing to do is use em to get rid of whats there, or vacuum out whats there currently then take preventative measures to keep it gone like adding an air stone, adding no3 doing more water changes. adding co2
 
1 - 2 of 2 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
The Planted Tank Forum
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Tank Journals General Planted Tank Discussion Equipment Fish Shrimp & Other Invertebrates
Top