need help with rust looking sand and rocks

[mr_X]

An antibiotic will remove the symptom, which is the red algae-like bacteria, but the underlying cause will still remain and will need to be addressed, or the cyano will return.

 

[aadair22]

+1 fix the cause


When I had my diatom bloom I got a sleeper goby and he cleaned it up in about 3-4 days and it has stayed clean ever since.. Only problem with him is that he digs holes everywhere.. Lol. Fun to watch him though

 

[gsxr750]

the one on the left is a double head circulation pump . my brother got me 2 for christmas . if i put both units in there will be to much flow , so i still have on new in the box

 

[gsxr750]

doug what might be the underlining problem ?

 

[mr_X]

It's always the same- excessive nutrients. What nutrient exactly? As stated earlier, diatoms utilize silicates. Cyanobacteria is a photosynthetic bacteria, that thrives on nutrient rich water and light. Water changes and cutting back on feeding is the best defense, providing you don't have detritus(uneaten food and fish poop) building up somewhere, like a canister filter perhaps. Then that would need to be addressed.

 

[Robert_ellis]

I have the same issue and its not cyano. I've had cyano and it is a different texture and look. When you say high nutrients which I know I have cause the hundred little sponges in the dark areas tell me so, isn't nutrients needed for coral growth? Wouldn't I be achieving the opposite of what I want for corals?

 

[mr_X]

Sponge growth is not a 100% indication of high nutrients, and not necessarily. Coral growth is achieved by a balance of things, but the nutrients that grow algae are not in that balance. Silicates, which are consumed by diatoms, are also consumed by sponges, but not corals.
Here is a good read-
Feature Article: Silica In Reef Aquariums — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

[Supa Belle]

A tiger conch or two will clean your sand up quick