Stuff growing all over the bottom of my tank. Please help.

[beernboots]

This stuff is spreading all over the bottom of my tank. In the sand right now got big splotches of purple, red, and brown. Can anyone tell me what it is and how to get rid of it? It in my frag tank and I worried that it might hurt my corals. Oh yeah the red stuff is hairy, the brown is starting to get bubbles growing, and I just noticed the purple that just looks like a big blob.

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[mr_X]

That's cyanobacteria. It comes from overfeeding/not enough nutrient export. Water changes, vacuuming out what you can with each change, and cutting back on feeding is the cure.

 

[beernboots]

I only feed a couple times a week. The only fish I have is a sixline wrasse and a balloon Molly. They mostly eat the hair algae that I currently have a problem with too.

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[beernboots]

I feed them and my corals about two or three times a week and at the same time.

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[beernboots]

Don't understand why this tank has gotten nasty so quickly. I change the water and vacuum weekly.

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[mr_X]

You can use a product called chemiclean. It will remove the visible cyano. Water changes will still need to be done to remove the chemical and the cyano will come back if the nutrient levels aren't lowered.

 

[beernboots]

That what my lfs just recomended. He gonna get me some next week. Thanks so much.

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[beernboots]

Is there anything I should do before and after I add the chemical?

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[mr_X]

Yes, you are going to need to do multiple water changes after the treatment. How is the aeration in your system? Do you have a skimmer? Power heads? Aeration is important. Oxygen levels will be effected. If you have pretty good flow in the tank it should be ok.
The skimmer (if any) will have to be turned off, and you won't be able to turn it back on until you've done those series of water changes. You will try it, and it will immediately overflow.

 

[beernboots]

Very small power head. This is only a 33 gallon long. Protein skimmer is broke right now, trying to fix it, got a hang on the back 90 gallon marine land bio wheel emporer.

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[mr_X]

I would use the HOb filter without a carbon cartridge, just for added aeration. Perhaps even a bubbler, if you have one from an old freshy tank.

 

[mr_X]

Very small power head. This is only a 33 gallon long. Protein skimmer is broke right now, trying to fix it, got a hang on the back 90 gallon marine land bio wheel emporer.

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Flow may be a potential problem. You should increase it if you think it's lacking. this may be contributing to your issue.

 

[beernboots]

It is running with no carbon. Might need to add another smallish powerhead tho

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[melosu58]

We also have an article about it in our sw articles section.

 

[Stlrockguy]

I had problems getting rid of it when I had my 55 gallon. I ended up going dark for a week. That pretty much solved the problem

 

[Reeffanman]

Are you using rodi water for changes and top offs?

 

[beernboots]

No just tap water with prime mixed in.

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[beernboots]

I have a 110, a 60, and a 30 long, and no problems with them.

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